FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2023

Clinton Twp. Blood Drive works to increase the diversity of the blood supply

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – As the coordinator of the Clinton Township Community Blood Drive, Treasurer Paul Gieleghem works with a committee of community leaders to develop a marketing theme to bolster the total number of blood donors. 

This year marks the 24th Annual Township Blood Drive, with the theme, “Your Uniquely Renewable Resource.”  

“Broken down, there are two components of this theme,” Gieleghem said. “While renewable resources help fuel us, blood is our renewable resource. You can donate a pint of life-saving blood, and your body will replenish itself.”  

Gieleghem added that in addition to blood type, there are differences that make blood unique and uniquely life-saving.

According to the Red Cross, blood is characterized by type, mostly A, B, AB, and O, and blood contains more than 600 different antigens, some of which are common to people of the same race or ethnic background. These traits are found better at treating sickle cell anemia, a disease that predominately affects African Americans. 

“We need blood from every donor possible because you never know when you or a loved one may face a catastrophic accident or health event,” said Gieleghem.  “However, this year, the Red Cross is asking us to specifically focus on increasing the diversity of the blood supply to help combat conditions like sickle cell.”

The Red Cross has produced two videos on YouTube (links below) to help people understand the critical need for diverse and first-time donors.

Since it began, the Clinton Township Community Blood Drive has collected more than 6,000 units. The Red Cross states that each unit saves about three lives.  

The Blood Drive takes place from February 7-9, 2023, at five locations; Clinton-Macomb Public Library Main Library, Clinton-Macomb Public Library South Branch, Clintondale High School, Chippewa Valley High School, and the Clinton Township Senior Center.

Additionally, every donor receives an Amazon digital gift card and is automatically entered into a drawing for one of two iPads, and more than 40 $50 cash or restaurant cards.    

To schedule an appointment, call 586-286-1768 or go online to RedCrossBlood.org and enter code: ClintonTownship. 

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There’s no Tymia without the A https://youtu.be/cONQlBpX0yQ 

These First-Time Blood Donors Are in for a Surprise https://youtu.be/kIyhotwy1gk