Blood drive in Houghton this week

The UP Regional Blood Center is in critical need of several blood types, including O-positive and O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative. O-type blood is extremely important because it is universally accepted for all donations.

There is an opportunity locally to help alleviate the situation. A blood drive is scheduled for Thursday at Houghton High School between 10a and 2p. Walk-ins are being accepted. Prospective donors are asked a list of questions to help screen for potential health effects, both for the person giving blood and those receiving. If you have gotten a tattoo in the past year or donated blood within the last eight weeks you may potentially have your donation deferred.

The UP Regional Blood Center serves 13 hospitals in the region, including UP Health System-Portage, Aspirus Keweenaw, and Aspirus Ontonagon.