Dear Colleague:

I write to you today not about the state's continuing budget crisis or about the details of a new state initiative. Instead, I'm writing to ask your help in something much simpler and - perhaps - much more important. Today, I write to ask your help in saving lives in Michigan.

Earlier this month, I declared March American Red Cross Month in Michigan. For any of you who've ever been the recipient of a live-saving blood transfusion or whose children have received blood to help treat a disease or survive a trauma, I don't have to tell you that a gift of blood can truly be the gift of a second chance.

Unfortunately, the blood supply available to Michigan's hospitals has decreased to the point where we often have only a two- or three-day supply of reserves on hand. The Red Cross supplies 80 percent of the blood that hospitals need to help their patients. Today, they need our help to maintain adequate reserve levels.

I hope you'll consider giving blood during this month - and during any month. Giving blood takes just a few minutes, but it can give another person an entire lifetime of opportunity. Many of our state departments host blood drives on a regular basis, so check with your particular department or division for more information, or call the Red Cross' Donor Services at 1-800-GIVELIFE to schedule an appointment.

The collective impact that we, as State of Michigan employees, can have through this simple act is truly remarkable. By giving blood, we give a little bit of ourselves, literally, to help make Michigan a better, healthier, place for all of our citizens to live, work and raise a family.

Thank you, in advance, for helping us during American Red Cross Month.

Sincerely,
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor