“The holidays are a time for family and giving, but many across Michigan need only one gift: a blood donation,” said Kelly Rasmussen, donor contact manager for Michigan Blood.
“The need for blood is up, but donations are down because many are focusing on family and celebrations. Donating blood is free, and takes only an hour of your time – it’s the best gift you could give!” Every two seconds, someone needs blood.
Ed Corson, 60, from Dutton, is a good example of a regular Michigan Blood donor, just recognized for reaching the five gallon mark of blood donated. Ed has donated regularly for about 15 years. His reason is simple. “I’m on the Dutton Fire Department, so I see a lot of tragedy; people need blood.” Some of the other firefighters were giving blood, so he went along once, gave, and decided to donate regularly. “It doesn’t hurt, just a little poke.”
Ed’s blood type is A-Negative, very rare since just 6.3 percent of humans have that type. And, since he takes no medicines, his blood is prized to use for babies.
It is essential to maintain a supply of the scarce A-Negative blood, and Ed doesn’t miss a turn at donating. “They always call and remind me when its time to give,” he said. “I just go down at 4 p.m., right after work.”
He gives at the Caledonia American Legion Post every four months. He did give every two months, but now, he gives double, yielding twice the number of red blood cells. The red cells are separated right there and the rest of the blood components go back into him through the IV.
“It takes a little longer, about 40 minutes, but I only get four pokes a year instead of six,” he said.
Michigan Blood is the only provider of blood and blood products for more than 60 hospitals in Michigan, including Spectrum Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health St. Mary’s.
Blood drives coming up will be at:
*Gun Lake Casino, Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,1123 129th Ave, Wayland, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*Hastings Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Spectrum Health Pennock Conference Center, 1009 West Green Street, Hastings.
*Dorr Jan. 9 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dorr Moose Lodge, 4204 20th Street.
*Thornapple Township Emergency Services, Jan. 11 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., 128 High Street., Middleville.
*Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Jan. 17 from 2 p.m. to 7 p..m.,159 131st Avenue, Wayland,
*Peace Church Jan. 23 from noon to 6 p.m., 6950 Cherry Valley Road, Middleville.
There is an now urgent need for O-Negative blood donations. To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663) or schedule online at https://donate.miblood.org.
