Schedule of American Red Cross blood drives | Health
Schedule of American Red Cross blood drives in
Allegan, Kent and Ottawa Counties
In Doubt About Giving Blood? You Could Be Eligible.
Some health concerns not an issue when donating
Lansing, MI—October 25—Think you’re not a good candidate for blood donation? Think again. Sometimes, people with high blood pressure and diabetes suspect they are not eligible to give blood. Many cancer survivors also believe they will be deferred because of their previous illness.
“But that’s not always the case,” said Todd Kulman, Communications Program Manager for the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross. “We’re working to dispel myths and to educate people about who can give blood and when.”
In the United States, about 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, although only about five percent do. The most common reason someone might not be able to give on any given day is low hemoglobin. And Red Cross officials say that measure of iron in red blood cells can often be improved by eating more iron-rich foods or by talking to your doctor about taking iron supplements.
“The good thing is, most deferrals are for short periods of time,” said Kulman “Most of the time, people can monitor and address the cause, and then come back to give blood again.”
Donors with high blood pressure, for instance, can give blood as long as their condition is controlled. And diabetics can give if their blood sugar is controlled with diet, oral medication or with most insulins. Some cancer survivors can also donate. Donors with a history of nonhematologic cancer must be cancer-free for one year, have completed all their treatments, and meet all other eligibility criteria.
“We encourage anyone who is in good general health to consider giving blood,” said Kulman “If you like to help people, the Red Cross is the place to be, and has the right volunteer opportunity just for you.”
The following is a list of blood drives in your area through November 27:
CITY
DATE
LOCATION
SITE ADDRESS
HOURS
Allegan
10/29/2013
Allegan Alternative High School
550 Fifth St
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Grandville
10/30/2013
Hanley Christian Reformed Church
O-372 Jackson St
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Grand Rapids
10/31/2013
Rehmann
2330 East Paris Ave SE
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Zeeland
10/31/2013
Howard Miller Community Center
14 S. Church Street
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Holland
11/01/2013
Intersection Ministries
945 136th Avenue
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Holland
11/04/2013
Harderwyk Ministries
1627 W. Lakewood Blvd.
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Grand Haven
11/05/2013
GHSP
1250 S. Beechtree
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Otsego
11/06/2013
Otsego VFW Post 3030
124 North Farmer St
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Allegan
11/07/2013
Griswold Auditorium
401 Hubbard Street
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Grand Haven
11/08/2013
Second Christian Reformed Church
2021 Sheldon Road
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Hudsonville
11/08/2013
Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church
3617 Hillcrest Road
11:30 AM - 5:15 PM
Holland
11/10/2013
First United Methodist Church
57 W. 10th Street
8:30 AM - 2:15 PM
Grand Rapids
11/12/2013
Aquinas College
1607 Robinson Road SE
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Saugatuck
11/12/2013
Saugatuck High School
401 Elizabeth
9:00 AM - 2:45 PM
Allendale
11/14/2013
Grand Valley State University Kirkhof Center
Grand Valley State University
11:30 AM - 5:15 PM
Spring Lake
11/14/2013
First Baptist Church Of Spring Lake
118 E. Exchange Street
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Holland
11/15/2013
Western Seminary
101 East 13th Street
9:45 AM - 3:30 PM
Coopersville
11/18/2013
Coopersville United Methodist Church
105 N. 68th Avenue
12:30 PM - 6:15 PM
Grand Haven
11/18/2013
Hope Reformed Church
14932 Mercury Drive
1:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Holland
11/18/2013
Third Reformed Church
111 W. 13th Street
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Holland
11/20/2013
Hope College Maas Center
264 Columbia Avenue
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Wayland
11/20/2013
United Church of Wayland
411 Superior Street
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Holland
11/21/2013
Intersection Ministries
945 136th Avenue
1:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Grand Rapids
11/22/2013
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
311 State St
10:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Holland
11/22/2013
Central Park Reformed Church
614 Myrtle Ave
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Fennville
11/25/2013
Fennville Community Athletic Center
5 Memorial Drive
12:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Grand Haven
11/26/2013
Grand Haven Community Center
421 Columbus Ave
10:00 AM - 3:45 PM
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
About the American Red Cross
The Great Lakes Blood Services Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 650 units of blood a day to meet patient need in hospitals. In addition to supplying about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.