Healthcare Heroes Blood Drive honors hospital professionals

As a tribute to their heroism, perseverance and passion for saving lives during the current coronavirus pandemic, Versiti Blood Center of Michigan will honor Grand Rapids-area hospital heroes at a very special Healthcare Heroes Blood Drive Thursday.

The drive runs from noon-7 p.m. at the David D. Hunting YMCA, located at 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in Grand Rapids. Its goal is to welcome 120 generous, life-saving blood donors.

“The physicians, nurses and every medical professional who worked tirelessly and sacrificed through this pandemic, saving countless lives, deserve a show of gratitude that we can only begin to express on our own,” said Versiti President and CEO Chris Miskel. “So we’re asking the community to join us in paying tribute through the gesture of blood donation. I personally extend my deepest thanks to Versiti’s hospital partners – Spectrum Health, Metro Health and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. These are extraordinary individuals. Let’s thank them together on June 4.”

Donors are asked to bring thank-you cards for our Healthcare Heroes with them to their appointment. Versiti will ensure the cards are taken to local hospitals. Donors can also share virtual thank-you messages, photographs and videos by visiting Spectrum Health online and click “Add a Thank You.”

To ensure everyone’s safety during the blood donation process, Versiti employees wear face masks or cloth face coverings and are temperature tested before their shifts. Donors are also temperature tested and prescreened before their donation. All donors are asked to wear their own face covering during their appointment.

Social distancing will be practiced and extensive cleaning and disinfecting facilities and equipment will be performed throughout the day.

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.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-866-642-5663 or visit Versiti online at http://www.versiti.org/Michigan. With coronavirus safety precautions in place, walk-in donors may experience wait times.

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, formerly Michigan Blood, has collected blood throughout the state since 1955. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, the non-profit organization provides blood products and services to more than 80 Michigan hospitals, collects nearly 115,000 units of blood each year at eight donation centers and conducts more than 3,400 local community blood drives throughout the state. For more, visit versiti.org/Michigan.