Red Cross of Southeast Michigan in desperate need of blood donors
You could save someone’s life if you have an hour to spare.
(FOX 2) Farmington Hills, Mich.There is an urgent need for blood donors in Michigan.
According to DeAndra Smith of the American Red Cross of Michigan, “all blood types are needed, we need everyone to roll up their sleeves.” “We require a wide range of donors. Unless you have a donor who shares your race or ethnicity, the more transfusions you have while receiving blood therapy, the more likely you are to experience transfusion-related problems.
“So we always want to have a diverse pool of blood.”
In addition to being a Red Cross employee, Smith has personal experience with the importance of blood donations because she has sickle cell disease herself.
“I ve been hospitalized well over 80 times,” she stated. “And back in April of last year, I had to get 12 pints of blood.”
The American Red Cross of Michigan claims that the winter months are among of the most difficult times to raise money, and the need is currently very great.
“Across the nation we ve lost over 2,000 units of blood due to canceled blood drives due to the weather,” Smith stated.
Donating isn’t as difficult as you might assume. To ensure that everyone who wants to give is well enough to do so, staff is on site.
Once more, all blood types are required.
Before leaving for work on Wednesday morning, Farmington Hills Fire Marshall Jason Baloga even made a stop at the Costick Activities Center to donate blood.
“It was an amazing event. After completing a quick questionnaire, getting a quick needle in the finger, spending some time in bed, and providing blood, you’ll also receive some complimentary munchies,” he stated.
You can literally save someone else’s life with just one hour of your day.
“Blood is highly needed when we do respond to a trauma call,” Baloga stated.
Costick Activity Center’s blood drive is open till 8:00 p.m. At 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, the final donation will be accepted.
A raffle for two tickets to this year’s Super Bowl LIX is open to all donors who visit.