By Michael Piwowarski
The blood supply in the state of Michigan is currently at less than half a day’s supply, as reported by Versiti, a non profit blood center headquartered in Grand Rapids.
Versiti announced in a press release that all blood types, especially O-positive and O-negative, are in dire need across Michigan. They currently have three to five days worth of blood donations available for the hospitals that they are partnered with across the state.
Dawn Kaiser, vice president of the Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, said that donations were low during the holiday season, with colleges and high schools on break and the spread of the flu.
“Now, we’re in dire need of blood donations,” Kaiser said in the press release. “[…] We’re encouraging neighbors throughout the state to answer the call and help save lives now with the generous, selfless and life-saving blood donations.”
Kaiser went on to say that someone needs blood every two seconds; especially cancer patients, surgery patients and trauma victims.
Donors with O-negative blood, specifically, are universal donors – their blood cells can be transfused to all patients.
Hours of operation have been extended this week for the following Versiti Blood Center donation locations in the tri city area:
Saginaw:
1771 Tittabawassee Road
- Wednesday: 7 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Sunday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bay City:
1017 N. Johnson St.
- Wednesday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Midland:
825 E. Main St.
- Wednesday: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Sunday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Donations can be made on a walk-in basis. However, donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-866-642-5663 or visiting Versiti’s website at https://www.versiti.org/michigan.
