Blood Drive at The Dow Event Center

Posted in: Happenings

The need for blood donations continues to escalate, and Versiti Blood Center of Michigan now says the need is dire across the state. The recent flooding in parts of the state made the need even more critical, with the loss of many appointments. “Our environment continues to change amid COVID-19, and that has resulted in a changing environment regarding blood donations. The need becomes critical when our blood donation supply is not meeting hospital demand. That is the situation we face today,” said Versiti Area Vice President Dawn Kaiser. “Hospitals are resuming surgeries, and trauma cases are increasing as stay-at-home orders are relaxed, and we must be able to provide – lives are depending on it. We’re depending on our community.” Versiti Blood Center of Michigan urgently seeks the generosity of donors to ensure hospitals have the necessary blood available as they resume elective surgeries and other essential patient care. The Dow Event Center, Saginaw Spirit, and Alpha Media have come together to organize a blood drive on June 12, 1-7 p.m., in the atrium at The Dow Event Center to assist. Walk-ins welcomed and appointments honored. Donors are asked to please bring photo ID and appointments are encouraged. To ensure ongoing donor safety, Versiti requires all employees and donors to wear cloth face coverings during the donation process. Donors are asked to bring their own face covering. Social distancing is also being practiced at all donation centers and community blood drives, and the temperature of all potential blood donors is being taken, as well as that of staff members. In addition, Versiti has implemented increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures in all donor centers and mobile donation sites. Appointments can be scheduled at 1-866-642-5663 or by visiting Versiti.org/Michigan. With coronavirus safety precautions in place, appointments are strongly encouraged, and walk-in donors could experience wait times.