Versiti Blood Center makes emergency plea for donations

CHEBOYGAN — Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is sounding the alarm and making a plea for donations as the state faces a dangerously low blood supply.

In a press release dated July 8, the organization said certain blood types have less than a day's worth of availability. They also noted that summer donations have dropped drastically, and are reaching a critical low.

According to the press release, all blood types are needed, with O-positive and O-negative being the most in demand.

"The demand for blood simply does not match the number of donors coming through our doors," said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti, in a statement. "While we deeply appreciate our loyal donors who consistently show up, it's important to recognize that about 3 percent of people who are eligible to donate blood actually do. If it's been a while since your last donation or you're a first-time donor, we are excited to welcome you."

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In Northern Michigan, Versiti has donor center locations in Traverse City, 2575 Aero Park Drive, and Gaylord, 133 W. Main St. Suite 101.

The Cheboygan Area Public Library will also host a blood drive from 12-5 p.m. on Thursday, July 25.

Those interested in donating will register, be screened, donate and spend a few minutes with snacks. The process takes an hour or less, and their donation will be available within 48 hours. Walk-ins are welcome.

You can sign up with a call to Versiti at (866) 642-5663 or visit versiti.org.

The library regularly hosts blood drives. For more information, call or stop by the library at 100 S. Bailey St. in Cheboygan.

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.