GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Versiti Blood Center of Michigan says it is experiencing “a critical shortage of blood and platelet donations” due to the winter weather.
During recent snowstorms over the past few days, hundreds of people have canceled their blood donation appointments, according to a release from Versiti.
“We rely on valuable donations, precious donations during the holiday period, during the winter to supply our hospitals with the needed blood,” Dawn Kaiser, director of donor services at Versiti, told News 8. “We made a commitment to our hospitals that we would supply them daily with their need. When we don’t have enough blood in inventory, we have to tell hospitals, ‘I’m sorry, we have to cut your order.’ And that’s not fun.”
Erich Pagel is a frequent donor at Versiti. He told News 8 he has been donating for the past two decades.
“As long as I am able to and I am healthy, there’s no reason not to continue to do so,” he said. “I feel really, really blessed by God to have good heath, and with that good health, it’s easy and simple to donate blood and give back.”
Pagel said he was shocked to hear about the recent cancellations amid the winter weather.
“It seems on the surface to me to be backwards. Like, during the holidays, we have more time off and more flexibility,” he said. “A lot of us are out anyhow, shopping, buying extra food or hosting, so being out anyhow is easy.”
Now, the cancellations are leaving the center in crucial need of donations. Pagel said he will continue to donate and urges everyone to do the same.
“I want to give, and I know that it will be used in a great way and in an important way,” he said. “Their donation is really, really, really important. It is going to literally save lives. Here’s something we know can save somebody’s life, and it’s simple, it’s efficient and it’s an easy thing to do.”
Anyone 17 or older who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements should visit their local donation center. Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome. Here is a list of Versiti locations in West Michigan:
- Grand Rapids: 1036 Fuller Ave. NE
- Grandville: 3140 Wilson Ave. SW
- Portage: 524 E. Milham Ave.
You can make an appointment to give blood at a Versiti location online or by phone at 866.642.5663.