LANSING, MI (WHTC) – The American Red Cross is putting out an urgent call for blood donations in Michigan and nationwide.
Great Lakes Blood Services Region spokesman Todd Kulman says there is a “significant need” for O-negative and AB blood types. Severe weather resulted in 250 Red Cross blood drives being canceled nationwide this month.
Type O negative blood and type AB plasma are two of the most in-demand blood products by hospitals. Those who give can help patients locally or across the country as the Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they are needed most.
The blood donor app is free for your iphone or smart phone and puts the power to save lives right in your hand says Kulman.
“You can schedule your blood donation appointment right from you smart phone.They can challenge family members and friends to hold a blood drive. You can also track your lifetime donations with the Red Cross Blood app. It’s been about two years since we’ve had the app and it’s a very very popular application especially since everyone is so tied to their phone.”
To find a blood drive near you can go online or call or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood donors can save time at their donation appointment by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
