How Can I Donate Blood in Fenton?

Written by Brooke Tajer.

The Red Cross is in need of certain blood types as donations dwindle in the summer months. Before you head out to give blood, here are 5 things you should know:

1. According to the Red Cross there is an urgent need for donors with blood types O Negative, B Negative and A Negative.
2. An emergency was issued July 9 after the Red Cross saw 50,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than originally expected in June.
3. According to Diane Ward, CEO for the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region, summer is always a tough season for blood and platelet donations. "The summer is historically one of the most difficult times of year for blood and platelet donations. Many donors are still enjoying summer activities, but patients are unable to take a vacation from needing lifesaving transfusions."
4. Blood and platelet donations are used for a variety or reasons, including accident victims, burn victims, heart surgery patients and organ transplant patients, as well as those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.
5. Donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give double red cells where available. Type O negative blood is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative blood can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

To Donate, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

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 (16 with parental permission in Michigan), 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.