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Red Cross Issues Urgent Call For Most Needed Blood Types In Metro Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - The American Red Cross is facing a looming shortage of the blood types most needed by patients.

To help prevent an emergency situation, the Red Cross is calling on eligible donors in metro Detroit who have O negative, B negative and A negative blood types to give now.

Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Overall blood donations in the Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region have been approximately 1,810 fewer per month in June and July this year than the previous 10 months of the year. When demand for the most needed types begins to outpace donations, the Red Cross alerts donors to help restock the shelves.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Eligible donors are also encouraged to donate double red cells — a process where two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor — where available.

"Summer blood shortages are not uncommon, but they can be prevented when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives," Nick Gehrig, senior communications director, Red Cross Blood Services, said in a statement.

Platelet donors and those with type AB blood are also continually needed to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving blood products they need. Platelets — a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone narrow recipients — must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

Macomb County

• 8/7

Chesterfield Township -- 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Township Offices, 47275 Sugarbush

• 8/9

Macomb -- 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Rd.

Utica -- 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 44425 Utica Rd.

Oakland County

• 8/6

Davisburg -- 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Springfield Township Fire Department, 10280 Rattalee Lake Rd.

Novi -- 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Crystal Glen Office Building Center, 39555 Orchard Hill Place, suite 125

Rochester -- 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., City of Rochester Hills, 1000 Rochester Hills Dr.

Rochester -- 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Rochester Schools, 501 West University

South Lyon -- 12:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 S. Lafayette

Troy -- 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Flagstar Bank, 5151 Corporate Dr.

• 8/7

Troy -- 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Flagstar Bank, 5151 Corporate Dr.

Waterford -- 12:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd.

• 8/9

Bloomfield -- 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., St. Owen Catholic Church, 6855 Franklin Rd.

Bloomfield Hills -- 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., The Muslim Unity Center, 1830 W. Square Lake Rd.

Troy -- 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Bharatiya Temple, 6850 North Adams Rd.

Wayne County

• 8/7

Livonia -- 1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Eddie Edgar Arena, 33841 Lyndon

• 8/8

Detroit -- 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Fellowship Chapel, 7707 West Outer Dr.

• 8/9

Westland -- 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., St. Damian Catholic Church, 29825 Joy Rd.

A blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

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