​Michigan State Fair attendees encouraged to donate blood

Every two seconds, someone needs blood to survive. Some are fighting cancer while others are undergoing surgery. Still others are unexpected trauma victims.

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, formerly Michigan Blood, encourages residents are encouraged to donate life-saving blood as they enjoy this year’s Michigan State Fair Aug. 29-Sept. 2.

Donors who make an appointment to donate blood at the fair, at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, will receive general admission and parking reimbursement provided by the state fair and a $10 gift card donated by Kroger, while supplies last. If a donor brings a friend who donates, both may choose either a pair of Versiti sunglasses or Versiti can koozie.

Versiti will be accepting blood donations at the fair each day at the following times:

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 29
• 1-6 p.m. Aug. 30
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 31
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 1
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 2

“Hospitals throughout Michigan depend on us on a daily basis to collect and provide blood and blood products for their patients undergoing surgery, fighting disease and recovering from trauma,” said Dawn Kaiser, area vice president and director of donor services at Versiti Blood Center of Michigan. “We must collect at least 550 blood donations across Michigan every day to meet the needs of our nearly 80 hospital partners. We’re asking everyone who can to answer the call and give blood at this year’s Michigan State Fair to help save lives.”

Last year, 153 people donated blood at the state fair, saving nearly 460 lives.

Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to give. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-866-642-5663 or visit Versiti online.

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan has collected blood throughout the state since 1955. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, the non-profit organization provides blood products and services to nearly 80 Michigan hospitals. Versiti collects more than 114,000 units of blood each year in Michigan at eight donation centers and through the operation of more than 3,400 community blood drives throughout the state.