GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Blood donations are needed every day, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need can be greater. Despite limitations currently imposed, blood donations are being accepted.
Versiti Blood Center of Michigan says you can make an appointment now so that supplies will be available in May and June.
While Versiti describes donations during this period as “strong,” there is the concern that donations might drop off during the summer. In ordinary years, summer vacations and breaks from school have led to fewer donations. In these times, it’s hard to predict what will happen to donations.
Versity, formerly Michigan Blood, says all blood types are needed, especially O-negative.
And there’s the special properties in blood donated by anyone who has recovered from COVID-19. The antibodies in such donations could save the lives of current COVID-19 sufferers, Versiti said in a release.
Blood donations are accepted at eight locations in Michigan:
- Grand Rapids: 1036 Fuller NE
- Kalamazoo Area: 524 E. Milham Ave., Portage
- Saginaw: 1771 Tittabawassee Road
- Traverse City: 2575 Aero Park Drive
- Grandville: 3140 Wilson SW
- St. Joseph: 2710 Cleveland Ave.
- Bay City: 1017 N. Johnson St.
- Midland: 825 E. Main St.
- Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged at 866-642-5663 or
A schedule for blood drives was released:
CADILLAC
12:30-7 p.m. May 4
LifeHouse Assembly of God
1120 W. Division St.
ZEELAND
1-7 p.m. May 5
First Baptist Church
246 W. Main Ave.
ZEELAND
11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May 13
First Baptist Church
246 W. Main Ave.
KENTWOOD
Noon-7 p.m. May 14
Kentwood area donor site at Heritage Baptist Church
1570 60th St. SE
KENTWOOD
Noon-7 p.m. May 28
Kentwood area donor site at Heritage Baptist Church
1570 60th St. SE
