The American Red Cross still faces a blood donation emergency in Michigan. Southwest Michigan Red Cross Communications Director Todd Kulman says stepping up now to donate your blood could well save a life.
“The easiest way is to go to our website That’s RedCrossBlood.org. You can also call 1-800-REDCROSS if you’re not computer savvy. And we also have a Red Cross blood donor app. It’s a free download for your smart phone. You can get that at our website – RedCrossBlood.org”
These blood donation emergencies to some degree are cyclical with shortages in donations occurring after the Fourth of July holiday and again in November-December. Kulman says this blood donation emergency is a little worse than usual.
“Kind of putting it into perspective right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types and actually less than a two-day supply of type O blood. And we typically like to keep a five day supply on hand to meet the needs of our patients.”
If you’re considering donating but never have, Kulman assures you any pain is very minimal and the donation process once you’re lying down to give blood takes about 7 minutes.
