BLOOD DRIVE

The Red Cross needs to collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to overcome the current shortage.

Gardner-White and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host blood drives on Aug. 19 and 20 in Metro Detroit.

Gardner-White and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host blood drives on Aug. 19 and 2 in Metro Detroit.

Hospitals across the country are facing dangerously low supplies of blood.

Gardner-White Furniture is hosting blood drives at several of their Metro Detroit stores this week.

The blood drive will be carried out in accordance with CDC guidelines for social distancing. FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The International WeLoveU Foundation (“WeLoveU”) in partnership with Versiti is hosting a blood drive on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Delta Hotels Marriott located in Farmington Hills. Recent winter storms created widespread concern for the nation’s severe blood supply shortages. This event is one of over 20 blood drives taking place throughout the US as a part of WeLoveU’s National Blood Drive Campaign. WeLoveU’s Los Angeles blood drive captured the attention of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer who commended the spirit of the WeLoveU volunteers.

DETROIT – With a pandemic and snowstorm that crippled parts of the country, there is concern of a nationwide blood shortage. In response, a group called the WeLoveU Foundation is stepping in and organizing blood drives all across the country, including in Metro Detroit. “Last year, there were over 50,000 blood drives and blood donation cancellations and so, because of that, we’re in a severe blood shortage.”Harris said the shortage was highlighted during critical times in the United States, one being the coronavirus pandemic. If we can give back to our community, we’re not giving back to our community, it’s giving back to us,” said Harris. If you would like to donate blood, the Metro Detroit blood drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Detroit Novi, located at 37529 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills.

Collecting enough blood donations to meet the constant need was a challenge for the American Red Cross before the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why one Metro Detroit family wants to make sure that blood is always there for anyone who needs it. “Without that transfusion, we wouldn’t have been able to make the step two, step three, step four.”Throughout her treatment, blood was critical. The family speaks about their gratitude for her blood donors every day. READ: American Red Cross hosting blood drive in Metro Detroit this weekAppointments are strongly encouraged.

Dan Graustein has been donating blood since the 1970s. “It’s the most important thing that I do because it has potential of saving somebody’s life,” he said. “In 1974, there’s a blood competition between Michigan and Ohio State, same week that the football game is, and they compete on who can donate more blood,” he said. He said that in the past, the American Red Cross would donate your blood to one individual person. “I have donated white blood cells, plasma platelets,” he said.

The American Red Cross is hosting a hosting a blood, sponsored by Gardner-White Furniture, on Thursday and Friday. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 800-RED CROSS or go to the Blood Donor App, using the sponsor code: gardnerwhite. All donors at the drives will receive a coupon for $50 off a Gardner-White purchase of at least $399 and be entered to win a $500 Gardner-White gift certificate. Drawings will be held for each location. Blood donation opportunities at Gardner-White Furniture location:Jan. 14: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.Ann Arbor (3725 Washtenaw Ave.)Auburn Hills (4445 N. Atlantic Blvd)Brighton (8393 W. Grand River Ave.)Canton (39453 Ford Road)Macomb (45300 Hayes Road)Warren (4400 E. 14 Mile Road)Waterford (4945 Dixie Highway)Jan. 15: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Versiti Blood Center of Michigan will remain open amid the state’s “stay-at-home” order due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. RELATED: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of Tuesday morningUnder Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s executive “stay-at-home” order, residents may leave their homes for Healthcare and Public Health Operations -- which includes visiting blood, plasma and platelet donation centers, officials said. “Versiti Blood Center of Michigan supplies blood to nearly 80 hospitals across the state," said Versiti Chief Medical Officer Thomas Abshire. Those interested in donating can schedule an appointment by calling 866-642-5663 or visiting their website here.

Local 4 has partnered with Gardner-White Furniture to hold blood drives across Metro Detroit. Lena Kaczur was only 18 months old when her mom Amanda Kaczur noticed a rash, that rash turned out to be something called Petechiae. Lena received 15 rounds of blood transfusions of red blood, 14 rounds of platelet transfusions, and two rounds of plasma transfusions. Organizations and businesses like Gardner-White Furniture step forward at times like these to help relieve the shortage. We have the blood drive and give as often as they can,” Gardner-White Furniture CEO Steve T. said.