Michigan Blood

Posted by John Ester

on Sep 29, 2015

Traverse City Rotarian Allison Beers spoke to us in her capacity as Michigan Blood's Public Relations Coordinator for Northwest Michigan.

Michigan Blood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit blood bank that has been serving Michigan hospitals since 1955. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan Blood is the sole supplier of blood to many Michigan hospitals, including Munson in Traverse City and Paul Oliver in Frankfort, as well as Beaumont in Oakland County.

Thanking the Sunrise members who have given blood, Allison talked about the importance of donors. One in seven people going to the hospital will need blood, which means that Michigan Blood needs more than 2,500 donations a week. And blood has a short shelf life, making it impossible to stockpile. Out of 100 people, 37 are eligible to donate blood. But more than 90% of those eligible do not donate.

Allison urged those who are eligible to donate regularly (every 56 days) and to bring a friend. For those unable to donate there are many opportunities for related volunteer work. Allison reminded us as Rotarians that blood donation and supporting activities truly constitute Service Above Self.