Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The American Red Cross is partnering with Bill Marsh Buick-GMC to ensure patients have the blood they need this holiday season. The public is invited to donate blood during the annual Traverse City Holiday Blood Drive on Thursday, Dec. 22 from noon to 5:45 p.m. at the dealership, 1621 S. Garfield Ave.
Blood and platelets donations decline during the winter months when donors are busy with holiday activities and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses, like the flu. However, the need is constant as patients do not get a holiday from needing blood.
“We’re asking community members to give the perfect gift this holiday season by giving blood,” says Collette Sparks, account manager with the Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bill Marsh Buick-GMC to help ensure blood is available to those who need it.”
All who come to donate will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-Shirt, while supplies last. Giveaways will also be provided by area businesses.
Blood donors of all types are needed. Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative are encouraged to make a Power Red donation, where available. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.