Nationwide Blood Shortage Affects Michigan Health System

ROYAL OAK, MI — A severe shortage of blood across the country could have a significant impact on patient care, including surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic medical conditions and traumatic injuries, officials with Beaumont Health — which is one of many health systems across the nation affected by the shortage — said this week.

The need for blood is critical because many surgeries were delayed during the pandemic and Beaumont is also seeing an increase in trauma cases as more people are out and about, officials said Tuesday. Compounding those issues, blood donations are also down because of the pandemic.

“To continue providing compassionate and extraordinary care to our patients, we are working diligently with blood suppliers to stabilize and increase the supply of blood. The effort is expected to take several weeks,” Carolyn Wilson, Beaumont's executive vice president and chief operating officer, said. “We are asking our Beaumont health care heroes to donate their own blood to help our communities. And, we’re also asking the public to support this effort by donating their own blood, too,” Wilson added.

Beaumont is hosting a series of blood drive events at its hospital campuses this month with the hopes of countering the blood shortage.

The donation process usually takes one hour, including registration, a brief medical screening and blood collection, hospital officials said. Donors must show a photo ID such as a driver’s license.

Here are some of Beaumont's upcoming blood drives

Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
Tuesday, June 15, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Connelly Auditorium

Beaumont Hospital, Troy
Wednesday, June 16, 2 to 8 p.m.
Classrooms 1 - 4

Beaumont Hospital, Wayne
Friday, June 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Second Floor Conference Room

Beaumont Hospital, Trenton
Monday, June 28, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beaumont Surgery Center - Trenton
Conference Room 220