Blood donations sought during drive at Graafschap Fire Department

LAKETOWN TWP. — A blood drive is happening at the Graafschap Fire Department for the first time. 

The Graafschap Fire Department is hosting the drive from 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at the fire station, 4534 60th St. This marks the first time the station has been used for a blood drive, according to a Laketown Township news release. 

Anyone interested in making an appointment should visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code GFD or call 800-733-2767.

Blood and platelet donations typically decrease during the summer, according to the release. 

“Our biomedical team is always looking to expand into new areas and territories across Michigan, and we have found working with fire departments to be a natural way to connect within our communities,” said Alicia Dorr, regional communications manager for the Red Cross in Michigan. “People know and trust fire departments as places for community resources.” 

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The Graafschap Fire Department hosts many community events. It hosts free weekly blood pressure checks from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesdays, and more than 1,000 people visit the station on the Fourth of July for the annual pancake breakfast, which raises funds for the department.  

GFD also provides home safety inspections and offers an expanded smoke/carbon monoxide detector program.

“We are taking a proactive approach to public safety by reaching out and meeting with residents before a potential incident,” said Graafschap Fire Department Capt. Dave Grumney. “Prevention is a big part of safety in the home.” 

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.