WEST BRANCH — Michigan State Police West Branch Post will be hosting a community blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 7.

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood or platelet transfusion; each day, this need equates to approximately 29,000 units of blood, 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma. A single blood transfusion is approximately three units, and a car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood depending on the severity of their injuries. People affected by diseases such as Sickle Cell Anemia require blood transfusions throughout their entire lives, and those afflicted with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy often require blood transfusions, sometimes daily, during the course of their treatment.

Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, and they can only come from volunteer donors.

With that in mind, the Michigan State Police West Branch Post has partnered with the Versiti Blood Center of Michigan to host a blood drive in the conference room of the Michigan State Police West Branch Post, 2021 Fox Run in West Branch (east of the city on M-55). Appointments are preferred, although walk-ins are welcome as the technicians’ schedules allow.

To set up an appointment, please visit versiti.org/mi or call 866-642-5663.

Please join the Troopers in donating blood. Once you donate, we would be happy to show you around the post and we will even let you use the siren in a police car.