Michigan Blood provides service for all ages

Michigan Blood is offering an incentive for O negative donors who donate between Tuesday, Jan. 12, and Friday, Jan. 15.

(MLive.com file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Michigan Blood is offering an incentive for donors with O negative blood type at a time when donations are needed to keep inventory at safe levels.

Universal donors who attempt to give blood from Tuesday, Jan. 12, through Friday, Jan. 15, will receive a $10 Target gift card in the mail.

"We found incentives are a great reason to get people in the door," said Amy Rotter, community relations coordinator for the nonprofit blood bank.

Four to 8 percent of the American population has O negative blood, which can be given to anyone.

Michigan Blood provides for more than 60 hospitals in the state.

"We understand it can be difficult to set aside an hour out of your day to donate, but we sincerely hope you will consider making an appointment today," Michigan Blood President and CEO Bill Rietscha said in an email to donors.

To make an appointment at a local Michigan Blood donor center or at an upcoming blood drive, call 1-866-MIBLOOD or visit www.miblood.org. Donation centers are located in Grand Rapids, Grandville, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and Traverse City.

RELATED: Calling all O negative blood donors: Michigan Blood has a special gift for you



