The Lyon Township Public Library has partnered with the American Red Cross to host blood drives throughout the year. Hosting a blood drive coincides with our core values of supporting our community. With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor.

Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross. The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition.

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.

Donors should drink plenty of liquids for 24 hours prior to donation time.

You may schedule an appointment by clicking here, or by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767