Blood drive on the way this month

  • 2016-01-06
Farmington Hills residents have a chance to help save lives this month, as a date has been set for a local blood drive.

January is National Blood Donor Month, and is a time in the year when blood donations are at historically low levels. The demands of the holidays, as well as cold weather, often keep people at home during this time, which accounts for the low turnout.

Without donations, there might be a shortfall of blood this winter, which is why drives are often set up at this time of year. Blood collected in these drives is used for surgery, trauma, and emergency care, and in treating diseases.

In order to give blood, potential donors have to be in good health generally, be at least 17 years old, and weigh 110 pounds at a minimum. However, 16-year-olds can donate if a parent is present to give their permission. The entire process takes approximately one hour.

Residents who want to donate blood should go to the Costick Center on West 11 Mile Road, between 8:00 am and 7:45 pm, on January 14. Blood will be taken by the American Red Cross's Southeastern Michigan branch. Donors should make an appointment by phone or online

The Red Cross could work with a postcard printing company to create cards to mail to residents, giving them the date, time, and other details of the blood drive.