Spectrum to host blood drives, beginning Thursday.

LUDINGTON — Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital (SHLH) will host a new series of blood donation drives, featuring a new supplier of blood to the local hospital—Michigan Blood.

Like most Spectrum Health hospitals (and many others in Michigan) the system’s hospital in Ludington has contracted with Grand Rapids-based Michigan Blood to be its primary source for all blood supplies.

“While we will no longer be working with the American Red Cross as our primary blood supplier, this in no way indicates dissatisfaction with the Red Cross and its programs,” said Mark Zingery, hospital lab director. We have valued our relationship, and believe they serve vital functions, such as their exemplary work in disaster planning and relief, as well as blood supply.”

Hospital blood drives

Six blood drives will be held in conjunction with Michigan Blood over the next year. The first drive will be held Thursday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the classrooms on the hospital’s lower level.  The most convenient entrance is the surgery entrance on the north side of the hospital. The classrooms are located just below the surgery lobby.

Other blood drives are planned for May, July, September, November and next January. All will be held on the second Thursday of the month, except the September drive, which is set for September 3, the first Thursday of that month. The change is in deference to 9-11 commemoration activities scheduled for September 10 and 11.

“Michigan Blood is an outstanding organization with excellent services across the Lower Peninsula,” Zingery added. “They are focused on Michigan, but also help with military blood supplies and disasters elsewhere. Except in emergencies, they collect blood exclusively from Michigan donors and provide blood to Michigan patients. Our colleagues at other hospitals recommend them highly.”

“They are well known for involving volunteers in their work. So we invite not only blood donors to participate, but also welcome volunteers. Some people aren’t able to give blood, but volunteering is a great way to help in this life-saving activity

“We believe our association with Michigan Blood will provide excellent blood services for our patients and more fully align our operations with the Spectrum Health system,” Zingeryadded.

Bill Rietscha, CEO at Michigan Blood, said, “We have supplied blood to other Spectrum Health hospitals for some time. It is a point of pride for us that Spectrum Health is so pleased with our service that we’re growing our relationship to include Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. We look forward to this new partnership with a great hospital and community.”

Like the SHLH laboratory, Michigan Blood is accredited by AABB, the premier accreditation service for organizations involved in blood supplies.Michigan Blood is also an accredited member of Blood Centers of America, America’s Blood Centers, and Michigan Association of Blood Banks.

For information on donating blood or volunteering to help with the local blood drives, people can call Michigan Blood customer service 866.MIBLOOD (866.642.5663) or go to www.MIBLOOD.ORG