Critical Blood Shortage Looming: Where to Give this Weekend in Metro Detroit

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The American Red Cross faces a looming shortage of the blood types most needed by patients.

“Overall blood donations in the Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region have been approximately 1,810 fewer per month in June and July this year than the previous 10 months of the year,” the Red Cross said in a statement. “When demand for the most needed types begins to outpace donations, the Red Cross alerts donors to help restock the shelves.”

That’s what the Red Cross is doing now to help prevent an emergency situation. Eligible donors in Metro Detroit who have O negative, B negative and A negative blood types are urged to give now. Several clinics are coming up in the area, but appointments to give blood can also be scheduled by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Eligible donors are also encouraged to donate double red cells — a process where two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor — where available.

Summer blood shortages aren’t unusual.

“Summer blood shortages are not uncommon, but they can be prevented when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” Nick Gehrig, senior communications director, Red Cross Blood Services, said in a statement “Many donors have already given this summer. We’re now asking donors who haven’t donated, and those who are eligible again, to make an appointment to give now to help ensure blood products are available for patients.”

Platelet donors and those with type AB blood are also continually needed to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving blood products they need. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone narrow recipients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed. Donors with type AB blood are urged to give blood or platelets to restock the plasma supply. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types.

Individuals who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again and help patients like an expectant mother at a Red Cross-supported hospital who is currently receiving nearly 100 units of blood products a week until she delivers. Her need alone could add up to 1,100 units.

Below is a list of clinics around the area.

Oakland County

Thursday, Aug. 6

Davisburg: 12 p.m.- 5:45 p.m., Springfield Township Fire Department, 10280 Rattalee Lake Road

Rochester: 10 a.m.- 3:45 p.m., City of Rochester Hills, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive

Rochester: 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Rochester Schools, 501 West University

South Lyon: 12:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 S. Lafayette

Friday, Aug. 7

Troy: 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m., Flagstar Bank, 5151 Corporate Drive

Waterford:12:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road

Sunday, Aug. 9

Bloomfield: 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m., St. Owen Catholic Church, 6855 Franklin Road

Bloomfield Hills: 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., The Muslim Unity Center, 1830 W. Square Lake Road

Troy: 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Bharatiya Temple, 6850 North Adams Rd.

Wayne County

Friday, Aug. 7

Livonia: 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m., Eddie Edgar Arena, 33841 Lyndon

Saturday, Aug. 8

Detroit: 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Fellowship Chapel, 7707 West Outer Drive

Sunday, Aug. 9

Westland: 8 a.m-1:45 p.m., St. Damian Catholic Church, 29825 Joy Road

Macomb County

Friday, Aug. 7

Chesterfield Township: 12-5:45 p.m., Township Offices, 47275 Sugarbush

Sunday, Aug. 9

Macomb Township: 8 a.m.- 1:45 p.m., St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Road

Utica: 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 44425 Utica Road

Blood donor cards, driver’s licenses and two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.