Show your holiday compassion by donating blood at Beaumont

At last, your search for the perfect gift could be over. By donating blood, your most compassionate gift this holiday season could help could save three lives. Better yet, gather your friends and family members who are able to donate blood, and come as a group to donate together as an especially meaningful charitable holiday gesture.

“Our greatest need for blood products in Beaumont’s Emergency Centers comes from patients who have suffered massive blunt-force injuries in a traumatic accident, such as a motor vehicle crash, and patients with cancer needing blood to compensate for the side effects of chemotherapy drugs,” said Dr. Sanford Vieder, chair of Emergency Medicine and director of the Emergency & Trauma Center at Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills.

Generally, anyone in good health can donate blood

Giving blood is a quick, simple way to give back to your community. The donation process from the time you arrive to the time you leave is about an hour, but the actual donation time is only 8-10 minutes. Here’s how to have a great experience:

• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat a healthy meal at least one hour before donating.
• Be well hydrated before your donation.
• Make sure you bring verification of your identity — a driver’s license, donor ID card or government-issued ID card — showing your name and birthdate.
• Make sure you do not have a cold, flu or sore throat at the time of donation.

Blood drives are being held at these four Beaumont sites during the holidays:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 20 at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak
• 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Dec. 26 at Beaumont Health Club, Rochester Hills
• 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dec. 27 at Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
• 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 30 at Beaumont Hospital, Troy

Sign-up to give blood at one of these Beaumont locations by registering for an appointment with Versiti of Michigan, https://donate.michigan.versiti.org, use the sponsor name, “Beaumont.”