Blood drive scheduled April 22 at Oaklawn Life Improvement Center

MARSHALL – A new public blood drive is scheduled at the Oaklawn Life Improvement Center on Tuesday, April 22.

The collection will take place between 12:30 and 6:15 p.m. at the center at 13697 15 Mile Road, said Kyle Ann Keller, Oaklawn Hospital’s Development Coordinator.

“Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds,” said Keller, who works with members of the Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary in assisting American Red Cross officials during the blood collection.

“There’s a constant need for blood, and as the cold weather continues, sometimes providing a good supply can be a real challenge,” Keller said.

The Great Lakes Blood Services Region of the Red Cross, based in Lansing, supervises blood-collection activities in a 65-county area, including Calhoun County.

On average, the American Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood every day, she said. Nationwide, about 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers continue to be in need of updated blood supplies to serve patients.

“We hope people will consider making an appointment to give blood this spring,” Keller said. “The chance that you might save a life could become a wonderful gift.”

Potential donors may schedule appointments by calling (800) RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or by visiting the website RedCrossBlood.org and entering the code OLIC. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins also will be accepted.

Another Oaklawn-sponsored blood drive will be held June 17 at Oaklawn Hospital.

Additional information about the drive may be obtained by contacting Keller at kkeller@oaklawnhospital.com or (269) 789-3903.