DETROIT (Jan. 15, 2025) - January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross celebrates those who give blood and platelets to meet the needs of patients. Donors wanting to make a lifesaving difference in Brighton now have the chance to give blood at the new Brighton Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center.
The Red Cross officially opened the donation center at a ribbon-cutting event Wednesday. It will serve blood donors in Brighton and the surrounding communities of southeast Livingston County.
Kelly King, regional chief executive officer for the Red Cross Michigan Region, said the Brighton donation center represents an opportunity to boost blood donations and help ensure blood products are available when needed.
"Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors in Michigan and across the country are needed to help save lives, and this new donation center will enhance our efforts to meet that need and maintain a strong blood supply," King said. "Donating blood is a simple thing to do that can make a big difference in the lives of others."
This is the ninth Red Cross blood and platelet donation center in Michigan. Other locations are in Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, Flint, Lansing, Livonia, Riverview and Warren.
Donors can also continue to give blood at Red Cross mobile blood drives in Brighton, Livingston County and throughout Michigan.
"From mothers experiencing childbirth complications to those facing trauma situations in the emergency room, many of us may be connected to someone who has relied on lifesaving blood products," said Ryan Connaughton, a fixed site manager for the Red Cross in Michigan. "The Red Cross is pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need."
For the convenience of donors, the Brighton donation center will be open:
* Mondays and Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
* Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
* Sundays from 6:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Donors have three ways to schedule an appointment:
* Visit RedCrossBlood.org
* Call 1-800-RED CROSS
* Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
Patricia Kelly made the first platelet donation at the Brighton donation center. She became a platelet donor in April 2022 after her son, Ryan, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
During his time in the hospital, he received numerous blood and platelet donations. His cancer is now in remission.
"If it wasn't for selfless donors, he wouldn't be around," said Kelly, who has made 18 platelet donations to the Red Cross each of the last three years. "That's why I pay it forward."
Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and are needed for many reasons, but they are primarily given to cancer patients. Platelets have a short shelf life - five days from the time they are donated - so there is a constant, often critical, need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.
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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.