Committed to Saving Lives: Blood Donor Douglas Bloodgood

A tragedy motivated Douglas Bloodgood of Otter Lake to donate blood; his wife was diagnosed with cancer. While watching her undergo treatments, Doug saw first-hand the critical need for blood donors.

Every 43 seconds, someone in a Michigan hospital needs blood. Sick and injured adults and children need blood products for scheduled and emergency surgeries, for cancer and leukemia treatments, trauma and burn care, and the treatment of serious health conditions like anemia, sickle cell and heart disease.

While Doug lost his wife, he is committed to helping other people obtain the blood products needed to survive. Doug donates 12 times a year - six whole blood donations and six platelet donations.

"It’s easy and has become a habit – knowing that I can help save lives," Doug said.

He went on to say that donating blood "is simple, painless, and a small commitment of time. With appointments, my personal time is respected as is my privacy."

Donating whole blood takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. Call 1-800-432-0083 ext. 401 for more information or for a blood drive location near you.

Blood donors can also donate just their platelets through a process called Apheresis. This involves drawing whole blood from the arm of a volunteer donor, removing the platelets through a high-tech spinning process and then returning the red cells and plasma to the donor through the opposite arm.

Platelet donations through Apheresis are as safe and painless as a whole blood donation. The process takes a little longer than whole blood donation (up to two hours) since it takes extra time to separate and collect platelets from the other components of the blood.

Platelets can be donated just three days after the original donation – up to 24 times a year. Platelet donations are by appointment only. 

The Flint Blood Center is open every week:

The Flint Apheresis Center is open:

Fridays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Mondays from 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 

Call 1-800-968-4283 ext. 393 for more information.

Donate Platelets!

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