Dual crises causing blood shortage in Michigan

Michigan needs blood.

A statement from Versiti Blood Center of Michigan said the state is in short supply of donated blood, especially O-negative. That’s because blood donations have decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent flood in the Midland area.

The shortage is especially worrisome as medical providers begin conducting non-pressing surgeries again.

“Hospitals are resuming surgeries and trauma cases are increasing as the stay-at-home orders are relaxed,” said Dawn Kaiser, Michigan area vice president for Versiti in an interview with WWMT. “We must be able to provide blood. Lives depend on it.”

Versiti and American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan, two major sources of donated blood in the Kalamazoo area, have both instituted strict practices to ensure donors’ safety.

Both are accepting donations at blood drives, as well as walk-ins and appointments.

You can read more here.