GLADWIN COUNTY
In the last five years, more than 15,000 lives have been saved by Gladwin-area residents who selflessly decided to help others by donating life-saving blood. Since 2016, more than 5,000 blood units have been donated by local residents, more than half given by residents of the area’s Amish community, which wholeheartedly aligns with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan’s belief that people need people every day.
All blood types are needed, especially Onegative blood, which is the universal blood type given to trauma patients, hospital patients undergoing surgery and neighbors fighting disease. Versiti Blood Center of Michigan is the sole provider of blood and blood products for MyMichigan Medical Center – Gladwin.
Versiti will hold community blood drives in and around Gladwin throughout 2022. Here are upcoming dates and locations nearby:
NOVEMBER
■ 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on November 10 at the Beaverton Jr./Sr. High School.
■ 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on November 21 at the Knights of Colunbus Hall in Gladwin.
■ 12:15-4:30 p.m. on November 22 at the MyMichigan Medical Center – Gladwin.
Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to give. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.
Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-866-642-5663 or visit Versiti online. If other individuals, businesses or organizations in the greater Gladwin area are interested in holding additional blood drives in 2020, contact Versiti Blood Center of Michigan at savinglives@versiti.org. Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, formerly Michigan Blood, has collected blood throughout the state since 1955.
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, the non-profit organization provides blood products and services to nearly 70 Michigan hospitals.
Versiti Blood Center of Michigan collects more than 114,000 units of blood each year at eight donation centers and through the operation of more than 3,400 community blood drives throughout the state. To set up an appointment for a drive date, please call 866-6425663.