A recent outbreak of colds and influenza in southeast Michigan has caused many individuals who had intended to donate blood to tell the Red Cross they can't give right now due to illness.
Unfortunately, that means the blood supply in local hospitals and medical facilities in southeast Michigan is dwindling quickly, causing the Red Cross to issue an urgent plea for healthy blood donors to step forward and give.
"The Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region must collect 900 units of blood each and every day to support the needs of our local hospitals," said Martha Kurtz, communications associate for the Red Cross. "Our blood donors are so supportive, we felt if they knew about our current situation, they’d understand how much we need and appreciate them during this current challenge."
Historically, the flu season can last through the month of March and beyond, but the blood supply must be replenished now. While all blood donors are needed, people with type O negative and O positive blood are in highest demand. Healthy donors are urged to make, and keep, their appointments.
To make an appointment to give blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you donate.
About the American Red Cross
The Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region serves five counties, and needs to collect about 900 units of blood a day to meet patient need in 43 hospitals. In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
Areas to donate in Livingston County include:
- Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital 620 Byron Rd Howell
- Livingston County Health Department 2300 E. Grand River Ave Howell
- Livingston County American Red Cross 1372 W. Grand River Ave Howell
Source: American Red Cross – Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region
Hartland High School will host their biannual blood drive for faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, March 27. The need is constant. If you live in Livingston County, please call (517) 318-7210 to make an appointment to give whole blood or double red cells at a blood drive near you. Or call toll-free 1-800 YOU GAVE (1-800 968-4283) ext. 210. For medical questions about eligibility to donate blood, call 1-866-236-3276. Also consider giving platelets through apheresis if you are male and have blood types B+, B-, AB- or AB+ by calling 1-866-725-2140.