TRAVERSE CITY -- Despite the ongoing efforts to call and e-mail blood donors, the local Red Cross is unable to meet many blood orders for local hospitals in the timeliest manner. Due to the low supplies some orders, particularly type O negative, have been put on back order.
There is a need for all blood types; particularly O negative, A negative and B negative, which are currently at critically low levels in our community. These critically low blood supplies are resulting in orders being placed on back order; in addition to only filling hospital's O negative orders for "Transfuse Only". This means hospitals requesting type O negative must have an immediate and specific need for a specific patient.
O-Negative is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.
The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to make or keep appointments to give blood as soon as possible
A list of blood drives in your area is available by CLICKING HERE. This summer, everyone who attempts to donate blood has a chance to win a $250 Meijer gift card, a $125 Meijer gas card and/or a $500 gift card to Best Buy. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG to schedule an appointment.
Blood donors must be 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.
