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Donors of all blood types are needed

The American Red Cross urges people of all races and ethnicities to give blood or platelets to help increase the diversity of the blood supply.

The vast majority of blood types fall into one of the major blood groups. However, for patients with rare blood types or those who receive regular blood transfusions, blood must be matched closely – beyond the primary A, B, O and AB blood types – to reduce the risk of developing complications from transfusion therapy. The best match may be someone of the same racial or ethnic group.

Donors of all blood types, as well as all races and ethnicities, are needed to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

Escanaba

Oct. 1 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Heirman University Center, Bay College

Oct. 15 – 12 to 6 p.m., Delta Plaza Mall

Oct. 16 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Delta Plaza Mall

Carney

Oct. 10 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Carney Evangelical Free Church, 52 Church St.

Harris

Oct. 25 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bark River High School

Stephenson

Oct. 8 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Stephenson High School, W526 Division St.

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.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position,visit rdcrss.org/driver.

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