The storm in the east forced the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives, causing a shortfall of more than 8,000 blood donations in the southeast and northeast corners of the country. The Great Lakes Region has been affected by the storm system as well.
As we enter deeper into the heart of winter, snowstorms this week have forced the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives along the eastern seaboard. In the Great Lakes Region alone, cancellations and poor weather conditions have resulted in a shortfall of approximately 315 blood donations. This means that those units are not available to help meet patient needs.
The Great Lakes Region has also seen an 8% decrease in platelet donations this month and hopes eligible donors will make an appointment to donate to help patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant and have weakened immune systems.
All presenting whole blood donors throughout January and February have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for two to Chicago to see the March 18 and March 20 Division 1 Men’s Basketball playoff games. A three-night hotel stay at the Downtown Marriot and airfare from STA Travel is included. Donors also have a chance to win a $250 Meijer gift card.
The following is a list of American Red Cross blood drives in your area through February 17.
Oscoda | Mio | 01/17/11 | Mio Knights of Columbus Hall | 225 E. Sixth Street | 1:00 PM - 6:45 PM |
Otsego | Gaylord | 01/18/11 | Tendercare Gaylord | 508 Random Lane | 10:30 AM - 4:15 PM |
Otsego | Gaylord | 01/19/11 | F.O.E. Eagles Club | 515 S. Wisconsin Avenue | 12:00 PM - 5:45 PM |
Oscoda | Mio | 01/26/11 | Mio AuSable School | 1110 W. 8th Street | 1:00 PM - 6:45 PM |
Otsego | Gaylord | 02/18/11 | Evangelical Free Church | 1649 M-32 East | 12:00 PM - 5:45 PM |
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org for more information. 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 come to donate.
There is also a need for people to give platelets to help patients undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant and have weakened immune systems.
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood. To schedule an appointment for platelet donation, please call 1-866-725-2140.
