Local blood shortage at alarming levels
Published 10:27 pm Friday, July 25, 2008
By Staff
Every summer people go on vacations, they come to the area for our wonderful recreation opportunities. Children are out of school and many, along with adults are involved in sporting activities.
With these pursuits unfortunately come an increased number of accidents. Some of those who are injured will find themselves in the need of blood to save their lives.
Giving blood is nearly painless and you are rewarded with juice and cookies afterward. You will need to answer some questions, so you should allow nearly an hour.
The Great Lakes Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is facing alarmingly low blood supply levels and continues to struggle to meet the requests of local hospitals.
Neighboring Red Cross Regions in Ohio and Michigan are also experiencing low blood supply levels. This causes concern since the 65-county Great Lakes Region often calls upon adjacent blood regions when blood supplies are low.
The Red Cross is encouraging new and previous donors to help offset summer blood shortages by giving blood in the next few weeks. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health.
For information on a blood drive in any of the 65 counties served by the Great Lakes Region, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.redcrossmichigan.org.
The following list highlights upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in this area through Aug. 24. Blood drive times and locations are subject to change.
July 25, Community Hospital, 400 Medical Park Drive, Watervliet, noon to 5:45 p.m.
July 28, Our Lady of the Lake, 24832 US-12 E., Edwardsburg, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 11, Evangelical Mennonite Church, 425 Nursery St., Lawton, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 13, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 63559 60th Ave., Hartford, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
August 13, Paw Paw Lions Club, 227 County Road 665, Paw Paw, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 19, Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St., Niles, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 21, Buchanan American Legion, 403 E. Front St., Buchanan, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 22, Calvary Bible Church, 27032 Marcellus Highway, Dowagiac, noon to 5:45 p.m.