Michigan Blood to host 'Season of Giving' blood drive Dec. 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Dec. 5, 2018 - PRLog -- Grand Rapids-area residents are asked to give the gift of life by donating blood over the holidays.

Michigan Blood, part of Versiti, is staging its first-ever "Season of Giving" blood drive (http://www.versiti.org/Michigan) from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 17. Greater Grand Rapids residents are encouraged to donate at Michigan Blood's main donor center, located at 1036 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids, or at any one of five nearby mobile donation sites, including:

• 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Forest Hills Northern High School
• Noon-5:30 p.m. at Autocam Precision Components Group
• Noon-7 p.m. at American Legion No. 305
• 2-7 p.m. at King Memorial Youth Center
• 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Alto Community Blood Drive

This holiday season, many Michiganders will need life-saving blood transfusions. Others will need donated blood of all types as they continue their fight against disease, undergo surgery or recover from trauma.

"Every two seconds, someone needs blood and just one donation can help save the lives of up to three people," said Dawn Kaiser, interim leader of Michigan Blood. "Though millions donate blood each year, only about 3 percent of people eligible to donate blood give. That's why we're focusing on this one-day drive during the holiday season – to raise awareness of the need for blood donations, especially O-negative blood, during a critical time of the year."

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663) or visit http://www.versiti.org/Michigan. Season of Giving blood donors will receive a Michigan Blood drink tumbler as a gift of appreciation plus refreshments after their donation.

Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to give. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

Michigan Blood has collected blood throughout the state since 1955. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, the non-profit organization provides blood products and services to 69 Michigan hospitals. Michigan Blood collects more than 114,000 units of blood each year at eight donation centers and through the operation of a mobile blood drive operation. For more, visit versiti.org/Michigan.