x
Breaking News
More () »

Blood centers in need as donations dip during the holidays

The Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is focused on making it as accessible as possible to donate.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The holidays are historically a time of year when blood donations take a dip, but West Michigan blood centers are hoping to change that. 

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is partnering with several West Michigan organizations to host blood drives over the next several weeks as it continues to see a significant need. 

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan tells 13 ON YOUR SIDE it is the sole blood supplier to our community hospitals (Corewell Health, Trinity Health and UM Health) and the majority blood supplier to the state of Michigan servicing over 85 hospitals across the state. 

The non-profit says it must collect 620 pints of blood every single day to ensure the community blood supply remains healthy. Additionally, the blood Versiti collects stays right here in our community where it’s needed most.

Here are just a few of the blood drives it is partnering with to host over the next few weeks: 

  • Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
    • Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
    • Time: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
    • Location: Michigan State Police (2290 4 Mile Rd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544)
    • Vote for your favorite first responder agency and they may win the battle!
  • Blood Drive hosted by Grand Rapids Chamber - Emerging Leaders
    • Date: Dec. 1 - 8 
    • Location: Grand Rapids Donor Center (1036 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
    • Time: During open business hours
    • Donate at the Center and enter the code "WZZM" in your appointment notes to show your support.
  • Blood drive hosted by Monroe Community Church
    • Date: Sunday, Dec. 10
    • Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
    • Location: The Gallery (1020 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Blood Drive hosted by Crossroads Bible Church
    • Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
    • Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    • Location: Upper Room North (800 Scribner NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504)

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Versiti says to make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. You will also received a limited edition Versiti 2024 calendar when you donate, while supplies last. 

Versiti has also made it easy to find a blood drive near you. You can find that search tool on their website here

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on RokuAmazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out