Portage Blood Drive During Time Of Critical Need

The Red Cross has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to help ensure lifesaving medical treatments and emergency care are not delayed or canceled this winter.

A blood drive is set for January 19, from 10:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 7028 Oakland Drive. This event is being held in partnership of the American Red Cross, Concerns of Police Survivors and our state chapter, Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MI-C.O.P.S.) and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.

During January, the American Red Cross and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) are joining forces to boost the blood supply and help save lives through the National Blue Blood Drive. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help families and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty cope with the sacrifices of their loves ones. This partnership provides members a meaningful way to support the community by hosting blood drives across the nation and raising awareness about the constant need for blood. Eligible donors are invited to make a difference through this special partnership by giving blood.

January is also National Blood Donor Month, a time that can be challenging to collect enough blood for patients in need. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can often prevent regular donors from being able to give. "We chose January to host Blue Blood Drives all across the nation because we knew there was a great need during this time, but also to coordinate with Law Enforcement Appreciation Day which is January 9th of each year, “said C.O.P.S. Director of Public Relations Sara Stone. “It's a time to not only donate blood to those who are suffering, but also to do it in honor of the heroes that sacrifice so much for their communities." “The Red Cross is honored to work together with an organization that provides such hope and comfort to thousands of family members and friends of fallen law enforcement heroes,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We are grateful for the support of C.O.P.S. to ensure trauma patients, those battling cancer, burn victims and transplant recipients never have to go without the blood and blood products they need for treatment.”