First responder blood drives start this week

A series of blood drives sponsored by Berrien County first responders is planned for the coming week. Cathy Ramirez with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan tells us the Battle Royale for blood donations will enable anyone to show their support for police, fire, and EMT personnel while helping the community. Versiti approached local agencies about the idea.

“Versity Blood Center of Michigan is the sole blood provider for Corewell Health and over 85 other hospital partners throughout Michigan, and in the summer, we struggle to keep a healthy blood supply in our Michigan Hospitals,” Ramirez said. “So, in reaching out to the Berrien County first responders, they have agreed to team up and support our mission.”

Anyone who gives blood at one of five blood drives taking place around Berrien County can vote for their favorite first responder agency. Officials including Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey will also be present at many of the drives, giving themselves. The drives start Friday in St. Joseph at the Fraternal Order of the Police. Additional drives are planned in New Buffalo, Niles, Coloma, and Bridgman through next Wednesday. Ramirez says everyone should give because one blood donation saves three lives, and the blood will stay in the community.

WHEN AND WHERE:               

Friday, July 28, 2023

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

F.O.P #96

SAINT JOSEPH, MI 49085

https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/154024

Friday, July 28, 2023

9:00 am – 2:45 pm

18959 US-12

NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117

https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/154030

Monday, July 31, 2023

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

1600 SILVERBROOK AVE.

NILES, MI 49120

https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/154025

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

4919 PAW PAW LAKE RD.

COLOMA, MI 49038

https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/154227

Wednesday, August 02, 2023

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

3220 W. SHAWNEE RD

BRIDGMAN, MI 49106

https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/154228