(Lansing, MI) – Accident Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Cooley Law School have partnered with the American Red Cross to help save lives for the first-ever A.B.C. Blood Challenge, October 1–15.

“Having three of our sponsors willing to compete in this friendly, one-of-a-kind blood challenge is a true testament to their dedication not only to the Red Cross but to the community,” said Sharon Jaksa, CEO for the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. More than 39,000 units of blood are needed each day to meet the needs of hospital patients across the country. The Great Lakes Region, alone, needs to collect approximately 700 units of blood every day to help meet that need. With the help of local businesses and organizations, the Red Cross is able to maintain a healthy blood supply, helping to serve hospitals locally, regionally and nationally.

“We are proud to partner with these organizations for this unique initiative,” said Accident Fund’s Scott Burgess. “What a great way to give back to the community!”

The three area businesses have each held regular blood drives with the Red Cross for more than five years and decided to join forces this year to help raise awareness of the constant need for blood. Although all blood types are important, type O blood is routinely in short supply and in high demand by hospitals. Type O-negative blood, the universal red blood cell, can be received by a patient of any blood type in an emergency situation. Ethnic minorities have a higher number of type O and type B blood types than other populations, meaning they have a unique contribution to make.

As autumn approaches, there is a need to replenish the blood supply from the summer’s decreased donor turnout. Holding a blood challenge during the month of October helps ensure a healthy blood supply.

“We are excited to take part in this blood challenge and encourage other businesses to develop their own blood challenges as well,” said Shelley DuFort, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Senior Community Liaison.

Each organization will have special giveaways for employees who donate at their respective blood drives. Only the Lansing Donor Center is open to the public, but every presenting donor during the blood challenge will be entered for a chance to win a $150 Bonnie’s Place gift card if they donate at the following locations:

Accident Fund, 232 South Capitol Avenue, 9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, 1405 South Creyts Road, 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5
Cooley Law School, 300 South Capitol Avenue, 12:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 4
Lansing Donor Center, 1729 E. Saginaw, October 1 – 15 (times vary)

Call 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

About the American Red Cross
The Great Lakes Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 700 units of blood a day to meet patient needs in hospitals across the state. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America
Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Lansing, Mich., Accident Fund Insurance Company of America is licensed to provide workers compensation coverage in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Accident Fund is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accident Fund Holdings, Inc., the 9th largest workers compensation insurer in the United States. For more information, visit Accident Fund’s Web site at www.accidentfund.com.

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