New effects of pandemic leading to significant drop in nation’s blood supply
The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets– are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.
“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Dr. Barry Siegfried, medical director of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”
Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.
Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
Final weeks for COVID-19 antibody testing
As more than a third of Americans have become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for blood, platelet and plasma donations.
Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination. The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase as the nation continues to journey out of this pandemic.
World Sickle Cell Day: June 19
June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, an important day for the more than 100,000 individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. Most people with this disease are of African descent and will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Some individuals with sickle cell disease may require as many as 100 units of blood per year.
The Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Since the best blood match for a patient receiving ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to give blood and help increase the number of diverse donors so we can find the best match for all patients.
Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 15-30
Macomb
Romeo
6/15/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Masonic Temple, 231 North Main Street
6/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Masonic Temple, 231 North Main Street
Sterling Heights
6/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Bethesda Christian Church, 14000 Metropolitan Parkway
Warren
6/15/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Eastpointe
6/16/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 24800 Phlox
Saint Clair Shores
6/16/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Jefferson Masonic Lodge #553, 22000 East Eleven Mile Road
Shelby Township
6/16/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 6580 24 Mile Road
Warren
6/16/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Clinton Township
6/17/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper
Warren
6/18/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
6/19/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
6/20/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Clinton Township
6/21/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road
Sterling Heights
6/21/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 12500 Canal
Warren
6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Sterling Heights
6/22/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Road
6/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal
Utica
6/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site, 49965 Van Dyke Avenue
Warren
6/22/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
6/23/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Shelby Twp
6/24/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road
Warren
6/24/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Detroit Rugby Football Club, 21618 Vandyke
6/25/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
6/26/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Saint Clair Shores
6/27/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., St. Margaret Catholic Church, 21201 E. 13 Mile RD
Warren
6/27/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Shelby Township
6/28/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., King of Kings Lutheran Church, 47500 Schoenherr
Warren
6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Clinton Township
6/29/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Kensington Church, 25000 Hall Road
Sterling Heights
6/29/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Heritage Church, 44625 Schoenherr Road
Warren
6/29/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
6/30/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Warren Blood Donation Center, 13260 East 11 Mile Rd.
Oakland
Berkley
6/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council No. 3830, 2299 W. 12 Mile Road
Bloomfield
6/15/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Commerce Township
6/15/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, 1 William Carls Drive
Farmington Hills
6/15/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Rochester
6/15/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Loyal Order of Moose 409, 3967 S. Livernois
Bloomfield
6/16/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
6/17/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/17/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Bloomfield
6/18/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/18/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Rochester Hills
6/18/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., St. Mary of the Hills, 2675 John R
Troy
6/18/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois
Bloomfield
6/19/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/19/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Southfield
6/19/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Church of the Transfiguration, 25225 Code Road
Bloomfield
6/20/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/20/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Bloomfield
6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Clarkston
6/21/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., American Legion Post 377, 4819 Mary Sue Ave
Farmington Hills
6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Bloomfield
6/22/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/22/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., St. John Lutheran, 23225 Gill Road
6/22/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Rochester
6/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., First Congregational Church, 1315 Pine
Southfield
6/22/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Redico – Two Towne Square Conference Center, Two Towne Square, Large Conference Room – Two Towne Square
Bloomfield
6/23/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
6/24/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/24/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Rochester
6/24/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., K of C Father Baumgartner, Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow
Bloomfield
6/25/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/25/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Rochester
6/25/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street
Troy
6/25/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., FUMC Christian Life Center, 6363 Livernois
Bloomfield
6/26/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/26/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Bloomfield
6/27/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/27/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Bloomfield
6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Hazel Park
6/28/2021: 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd.
Troy
6/28/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fire/Police Training Center, 4850 John R. Road
Berkley
6/29/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council No. 3830, 2299 W. 12 Mile Road
6/29/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council No. 3830, 2299 W. 12 Mile Road
Bloomfield
6/29/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Farmington Hills
6/29/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
Novi
6/29/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Oak Pointe Church, 50200 West Ten Mile Road
Bloomfield
6/30/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd.
Saint Clair
Port Huron
6/21/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Port Huron Elks Lodge 343, 3292 Beach Road
Washtenaw
Ann Arbor
6/16/2021: 8:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., University of Michigan Hospital Health Care – KMS 700 Bldg, 3621 South State Street, 700 KMS Bldg
6/16/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
Dexter
6/16/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Dexter United Methodist, 7643 Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor
6/17/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/18/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/20/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/21/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., 242 Church Ann Arbor, 648 S. Wagner Rd
6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/22/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., 242 Church Ann Arbor, 648 S. Wagner Rd
6/23/2021: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., University of Michigan Arbor Lakes, 4251 Plymouth Rd., Building 3, Floor 1
6/23/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., 242 Church Ann Arbor, 648 S. Wagner Rd
6/23/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/23/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Grace Bible Church, 1300 S. Maple Rd
6/24/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., 242 Church Ann Arbor, 648 S. Wagner Rd
6/25/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/25/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., 242 Church Ann Arbor, 648 S. Wagner Rd
6/26/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/27/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
6/30/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Ann Arbor Blood Donation Center, 4624 Packard Rd
Dexter
6/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Dexter United Methodist, 7643 Huron River Drive
Wayne
Detroit
6/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Historic Trinity Church, 1345 Gratiot
Livonia
6/15/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Plymouth
6/15/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Plymouth Cultural Center, 525 Farmer
Riverview
6/15/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Canton
6/16/2021: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Connection Church, 3855 South Sheldon Road
Livonia
6/16/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/16/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Canton
6/17/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Friendship Church Canton, 1240 North Beck Road
Livonia
6/17/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
6/17/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., 242 Community Church Livonia, 35475 Five Mile Road
Grosse Pointe Park
6/18/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, 1401 Whittier
Livonia
6/18/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/18/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Westland
6/18/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Wayne Masonic Lodge, 37137 Palmer Road
Grosse Ile
6/19/2021: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 21599 Park Lane
Livonia
6/19/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/19/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Livonia
6/20/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/20/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Livonia
6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/21/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 6 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Livonia
6/22/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/22/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Flat Rock
6/23/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 28400 Evergreen
Livonia
6/23/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/23/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Livonia
6/24/2021: 8:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
6/24/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Laurel Park Place, 37700 West Six Mile Road
Wyandotte
6/24/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., VFW #1136, 633 Ford Ave
Livonia
6/25/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
6/25/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Laurel Park Place, 37700 West Six Mile Road
Northville
6/25/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Northville, 200 East Main Street
Riverview
6/25/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Canton
6/26/2021: 7:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road
Livonia
6/26/2021: 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
6/27/2021: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
6/27/2021: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., St. Aidan Catholic Church Activity Center, 17500 Farmington Road
6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Plymouth
6/28/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., VFW Post 6695 Plymouth, 1426 South Mill Street
Riverview
6/28/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Detroit
6/29/2021: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Kresge Eye Institute, Kresge Eye Institute, 4717 St. Antoine
Grosse Pointe Farms
6/29/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Henry Ford Medical Center Cottage, 159 Kercheval
Livonia
6/29/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Riverview
6/29/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
Dearborn
6/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., The Dearborn Inn a Marriott Hotel, 20301 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn Heights
6/30/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Islamic House of Wisdom, 22575 Ann Arbor Trail
Grosse Pointe Farms
6/30/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Henry Ford Medical Center Cottage, 159 Kercheval
Livonia
6/30/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Livonia Blood Donation Center, 36650 5 Mile Rd.
Plymouth
6/30/2021: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road
Riverview
6/30/2021: 11:45 a.m. – 7 p.m., Riverview Blood Donation Center, 14031 Pennsylvania Rd.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.