ALPENA, MI (July 22, 2013) -- The American Red Cross and credit unions in Alpena are joining forces to help maintain a healthy blood supply during the tough summer months.
Blood donations through the American Red Cross typically decrease during the summer months because many regular donors put giving blood on the back-burner due to busy summer schedules. Blood donations at high school and college blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of donations during the school year. Donations from those who usually give at these drives drop by more than 80 percent when school is out for the summer.
A blood drive will be held from 1PM – 6:45PM, Wednesday, July 31, at Alpena Mall (2380 US-23 South). The blood drive will be held in the space that used to be Lee’s Department Store. Five local credit unions are participating in the blood drive: Alpena-Alcona Area Credit Union, Alpena Community Credit Union, Besser Credit Union, HPC Credit Union and Thunder Bay Area Credit Union.
“We are hoping to collect 41 pints of blood at the drive,” said Erin Bushey, Donor Recruitment Representative for the American Red Cross. “We encourage anyone who is eligible to help us replenish the blood supply by making an appointment to donate.”
Donations to the American Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer donations that expected. All blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.
For more information about this and additional upcoming blood drives, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
About the American Red Cross
The Great Lakes Blood Services Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 650 units of blood a day to meet patient need in hospitals. In addition to supplying about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.