Versiti Blood Center of Michigan Issues Emergency Plea for Blood Donors

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations. With less than a day's supply of lifesaving blood on the shelves for Michigan hospitals, patients’ lives are at risk.

Versiti saw a significant decline in donations during the holiday season, and the downward trend has continued into the new year. Unfortunately, the need for blood does not take a holiday, and more patients than ever before require lifesaving blood as part of their treatment.

All blood types are needed, with types O-positive and O-negative most in demand. O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative blood is the universal type that can be received safely by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown.


We urge you to donate at the next Versiti Bus Blood Drive at Covenant HealthCare:

  • Covenant HealthCare (700 Cooper Avenue, Saginaw 48602 parking lot)
    Wednesday, January 18
    7:00 am – 10:00 am
     

  • Covenant HealthCare (1447 N Harrison St, Saginaw 48602 parking lot)
    Wednesday, January 18
    12:00 pm – 3:00 pm


Donors will receive a limited-edition Versiti beanie hat while supplies last. First-time donors will receive a $25 e-gift card when making an appointment above and adding code “FRESH” in their appointment notes!

Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors aged 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.


How is Blood Used?

  • One in seven patients entering a hospital requires blood products.
  • This ranges from trauma victims to patients battling sickle cell disease, Thalassemia, or those receiving an organ or bone marrow transplant.
  • Cancer patients use 25 percent of all blood donations, and blood transfusions are needed in one out of every 83 newborn deliveries in America today. This rate has increased by more than 50 percent between 2006 and 2015. The list goes on.
  • All of us are likely to know someone who has needed or will need blood.
  • One donation of blood has the potential to save up to three lives.

ABOUT VERSITI BLOOD CENTER OF MICHIGAN
Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is a non-profit blood center headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich. Founded in 1955, it is the primary provider of blood products and services for more than hospitals throughout Michigan and is an established leader in quality and service. Versiti collects more than 114,000 units of blood each year throughout the state at nine permanent donation sites and more than 3,400 community blood drives. For more, visit versiti.org/Michigan.