Blood Shortage in Michigan Due to Flooding, COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic along with historic flooding has caused a greater need for blood donations in Michigan.

WMMT-3 reports that Versiti Blood Center of Michigan (formerly Michigan Blood) says they are in dire need of donations, especially O-Negative, after hundreds of appointments were canceled because of the flooding in mid-Michigan.

In addition, according to Versiti's website, approximately 4,000 blood drives have been canceled during the coronavirus pandemic.

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan Area Vice President Dawn Kaiser said,

“Our blood supply is not meeting hospital demand. That is the situation we face today. Hospitals are resuming surgeries and trauma cases are increasing as the stay-at-home orders are relaxed. We must be able to provide blood. Lives depend on it.”

To ensure donor and staff safety Versiti Blood Centers are following social distancing guidelines and requiring everyone in their facilities to wear masks. All staff have their temperature taken prior to starting their work day. Donors temperatures are taken at registration; if a donor has an elevated temperature and/ or is currently experiencing coughing or shortness of breath they will be asked to self-defer.

Versiti Blood encourages all donors to make an appointment to lessen the amount of people waiting at donor centers.

The main donation center is located at 1036 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids. There are also locations in Grandville, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph.

You can find additional information and schedule an appointment here.