Versiti opens permanent blood donation center in Farmington Hills to supply Michigan hospitals

FARMINGTON HILLS — Versiti has opened a permanent blood donation center people can visit year-round.

The Farmington Hills center, 29305 Orchard Lake Road, is the nonprofit’s first permanent southeast Michigan blood donation facility. The nearest Michigan centers are in Kalamazoo and Saginaw.

Most donors at its mobile events in metro Detroit live in or around Farmington Hills, said a Versiti official who believes a year-round facility will have staying power.

“Before we selected Farmington Hills, we looked at where the majority of our donor base was donating,” said Kellie Sopczynski, manager of donor services. “Farmington Hills fell right in the center of that donor base. So, this is as convenient as possible for our donors.”

Versiti is a major blood supplier for 73 hospitals across Michigan. The nonprofit’s Michigan centers generate 120,000 units of blood every year, according to its website. All donations made in Farmington Hills will go to Michigan hospitals. Nationwide, blood donations are declining.

People can donate blood, plasma or red blood cells in Farmington Hills. Donors can expect to stay for about an hour, which includes a health screening, donation and a snack.

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The Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the center Tuesday, Sept. 19. Community leaders expressed excitement at having what they characterized as a good cause close to home.

“The values you have and the impact you’ll add to our community are substantial,” said Cristia Brockway, Farmington Hills’ economic development director. “The easiest way to give back to your community is to give blood. It’s such an important thing and we all need it.”

The center is open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Sopczynski said Versiti hopes to stay in the city for years to come.

“People need people,” she said. “We need each other. Us Michiganders have to stick together. When you come in and donate, you could be saving a friend.”

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Contact reporter Shelby Tankersley at [email protected] or 248-305-0448.