Michigan Blood Supply Critically Low-Emergency Appeal

Versiti Blood Center has announced an emergency appeal for blood as levels across the state are low. Donations are down 40% and Michigan’s blood supply has dropped to “critically low level” meaning there is less than a day's worth of blood supplies for more than 80 of Versiti’s partner hospitals.

Versiti Blood Center says they are in need of O-negative and O-positive blood types. In a press release, Versiti says they are making a call to anyone interested in donating blood. They are trying to make sure Michigan hospitals have the blood they need for their patients.

Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti told Fox 17,

"As more people are getting vaccinated and getting out of their homes, attention has shifted away from blood donation. On top of that, drives at schools and businesses, which are typically Versiti’s largest source of blood donations this time of year, have been canceled. All of this is creating a crisis situation – a shortage of much-needed blood."

Donations take about an hour and anyone over 17 and in good health might be eligible. If you're interested you can sign-up here.

Here is a list of locations to donate blood:

• GRAND RAPIDS: 1036 Fuller NE
• GRANDVILLE: 3140 Wilson SW
• ST. JOSEPH: 2710 Cleveland Ave.
• KALAMAZOO AREA: 524 E. Milham Ave., Portage
• SAGINAW: 1771 Tittabawasee Rd.
• BAY CITY: 1017 N. Johnson St.
• MIDLAND: 825 E. Main St.
• TRAVERSE CITY: 2575 Aero Park Dr.