The American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region needs approximately 700 eligible donors to donate blood each day in August to continue rebuilding an already fragile blood supply.
The Red Cross appreciates the hundreds of donors in your community who responded to the appeal for blood issued in July. However, the need still remains as the blood supply is not yet back up to adequate levels, and blood products continue to go to area hospitals just as quickly as they are coming in.
Nationally, more than 500,000 blood donors are needed during the month of August to help the Red Cross keep up with demand across the country, and each and every blood donor can make a world of difference to a patient in need.
"The Great Lakes Region is extremely grateful to those who have rolled up a sleeve to give blood in answer to our urgent appeal for donors", said Sharon Jaksa, CEO for the Great Lakes Region. "However, we're not out of the woods yet and we need to continue rebuilding our blood supply to adequate levels."
The Red Cross understands that many donors are busy or traveling and thanks those who have come out to donate to help patients in need. But, the need is constant. As the summer months come to an end and families plan their vacations before school resumes, the Red Cross encourages everyone who is able to make blood donation a part of their vacation plans.
There are many stories of why people donate blood and many stories about why people need blood. Each story is a true testament to the mission and goals of the Red Cross. Every blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. The lives could be those of a co-worker, a neighbor, a family member or friend. Those lives could be in your community, across the state or around the world. The Red Cross is in those communities, positively impacting lives.
In an effort to help increase donor turnout, the Red Cross Great Lakes Region continues its partnership with Meijer to offer every person who comes out to donate, the chance to win free groceries ($250 value). In addition, everyone who comes out to donate also has a chance to win $125 in gas from Meijer and a $500 Best Buy gift card.
The following are a list of blood drives in your area through September 7:
Emmet
Petoskey
08/05/11
Petoskey Blood Donation Center
2350 Mitchell Park Drive
11:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Charlevoix
East Jordan
08/09/11
East Jordan Civic Center
101 Civic Center Lane
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Antrim
Bellaire
08/11/11
St. Luke's Catholic Church
3038 South M-88
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Charlevoix
Boyne City
08/15/11
St. Matthew Catholic Church
1303 Boyne Avenue
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
08/16/11
Knights of Columbus Hall
7915 S. US 27 Highway
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Charlevoix
Charlevoix
08/18/11
Charlevoix Area Hospital
14700 Lakeshore Drive
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Grand Traverse
Traverse City
08/18/11
Traverse City Elks Lodge 323
625 Bay Street
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Emmet
Harbor Springs
08/19/11
Holy Childhood Parish Hall
150 W. Main
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Cheboygan
Indian River
08/23/11
Cross In The Woods Family Center
7078 M-68 Highway
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Emmet
Petoskey
08/24/11
Petoskey Blood Donation Center
2350 Mitchell Park Drive
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Charlevoix
East Jordan
08/25/11
Grandvue Medical Care Facility
1728 S. Peninsula Road
11:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Emmet
Petoskey
08/25/11
St. Francis Parish Hall
513 Howard Street
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
08/30/11
St Thomas Lutheran Church
332 Western Avenue
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Emmet
Petoskey
09/01/11
Odawa Casino Resort
1760 Lears Road
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Emmet
Petoskey
09/02/11
Petoskey Blood Donation Center
2350 Mitchell Park Drive
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM