Critical Need Announced for Blood

American Red Cross issued a critical appeal for blood donations in Michigan, particularly for all negative blood types, Tuesday, January 10.

Statewide blood inventory levels plunged below an adequate supply for all negative blood types early last week. A three-day supply is necessary for the needs of hospital patients; inventories for certain types have dropped to just a 12- hour supply.

Locally this month, blood drives are scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, at Faith Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie from noon to 5:45 p.m., and Friday, January 26, at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital in Cheboygan from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

The American Red Cross collects nearly 1,600 blood donations each day to maintain the blood supply for patients in 127 Michigan hospitals.