Local radio personality Stu Allen from WCRZ CARS 108 saves a life every couple of months. Allen donates blood through the Red Cross to help patients in need.

"I donate as often as possible, usually as soon as I am eligible," Allen said. "The need is always there. Many people need blood and blood products. Very few step up to the plate and donate. Plus, I like the cookies that you get when you finish!"

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.

Allen began donating blood at age 18 and 17 years ago in Springfield, Ill. he began donating platelets too.

"I knew that donating whole blood helped people, and found out that people who need platelets are really sick, and really need help," Allen said. "How could I say no?"

Blood donors can 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. An Apheresis center opened in Flint last year.

"If I had cancer, or some other illness that required platelets, I would hope that there would be someone out there that would make it possible for me to live," Allen said. "Is that too much to ask?"

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.

"It really is easy to do, the hardest part is making the time," Allen said. "But if it is something you believe in, you find a way to make time. I wish more people would do the same. I would be willing to share the cookies!"

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 Apheresis Center is open Friday through Monday. Call 1-800-968-4283 ext. 393 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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.

Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Donating whole blood takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. All blood donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE for more information or for a blood drive location near you.

The Flint Blood Center is open every week:

Mondays & Wednesdays, Noon - 5:45 p.m.

Fridays, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

American Red Cross

Flint Blood Center 

1401 S. Grand Traverse