ALPENA — Blood drives are being canceled across the country because of COVID-19 concerns, but the need for blood hasn’t ceased.

“There is still no substitute for blood, and many patients rely on transfusions daily,” said Dawn Kaiser, area vice president for Versiti Blood Center of Michigan. “This is not going to be over tomorrow and we’re going to need blood next week and the week after that.”

As of Thursday, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Northeast Michigan. Statewide, nearly 2,900 cases and 60 deaths have been reported.

Since the pandemic began, Versiti has canceled over 250 blood drives in Michigan, meaning more than 5,000 potential units lost, Kaiser said.

The American Red Cross reports nearly 2,700 blood drives have been canceled, causing 86,000 fewer donations.

Posen Primary Blood Drive Chairperson Lori Konwinski said it’s still safe to hold a blood drive. Everything is sanitized and extra cleaning breaks are scheduled in.

“It’s not only very safe, but also very needed and in demand right now,” Konwinski said after a Posen blood drive on Thursday. “Of the 60 available appointments today, there were less than 10 not filled, so I think we’re OK.”

Donor and staff have their temperatures taken before they come into the collection area, she said.

The donation process itself poses no risk of infecting a donor with the virus, Versiti says on its website, although the firm advises those who have traveled recently to China, Iran, South Korea, or Italy to avoid donation for 28 days.

Kaiser said people should call to make an appointment to give blood to lessen the number of people at donor centers.

Gabe Jakubcin, a senior at Posen High School, said he tries to donate blood when he can, but made sure he had time Thursday because of the current need.

“I always encourage others to donate for the people who are very in need of blood,” Jakubcin said.

Want to give blood?

Visit versiti.org or redcrossblood.org, or use the American Red Cross Blood Donor App to find a scheduled blood drive near you. Individuals can donate blood every eight weeks.