DETROIT (May 18, 2026) – The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Hurley Medical Center and University of Michigan, announced today a prehospital transfusion program – its first in Michigan – that helps ensure lifesaving blood is available when and where it’s needed – before a patient ever reachesthe hospital. 

Under the program, the Red Cross is supplying Genesee County EMS vehicles with a specialized whole blood product called low-titer O whole blood. This blood product is ideal for treating severe bleeding and has the potential to improve survival – particularly within the first 24 hours for patients requiring massive transfusion. 

“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and bring this lifesaving capability to communities here in Genesee County,” Kelly King, chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region, said at a press briefing Monday held at its East Central Bay Chapter in Flint.

“This program will allow Genesee County paramedics to administer blood at the scene of a trauma event or while en route to the hospital, giving patients a critical chance when time is not on their side.” 

Severe bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death trauma in the United States. Research shows that early administration of blood products has been shown to prevent uncontrolled bleeding and increase trauma survival rates. 

Officials said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of the Red Cross, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Hurley Medical Center in Flint to expand emergency medical services  and elevate the standard of care available to Genese County residents. Hurley and U-M are Red Cross hospital partners and provide clinical oversight and medical support. 

"We’ve spent decades getting better at stopping the bleed with tourniquets. Now, for the first time in Genesee County history, we are replacing the bleed right where it happens,” said Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. “We aren't just rushing people to the hospital anymore; we are bringing the most critical part of the hospital to them. This isn't just a program; it's a lifeline." 

To prepare for this advanced capability, Genesee County paramedics completed specialized training and collaborated closely with physicians and trauma experts to develop the policies, protocols, and safety procedures required to provide transfusions outside the traditional hospital environment. 

Seth VanHoven, senior account manager with Red Cross Blood Services, said the announcement comes about one year after Genesee County approached the Red Cross about a partnership. He said the blood product is stored in sophisticated temperature-controlled coolers in Genesee County’s EMS vehicles and has a shelf life of 21 days. The coolers are equipped with monitors that alert staff if temperatures fall outside acceptable ranges.  

“By leveraging our medical expertise and national reach, the Red Cross is advancing emergency care through this prehospital blood transfusion – ensuring timely and lifesaving support before patients reach the hospital,” VanHoven said. 

Paul Morrison of Davison, located just east of downtown Flint, was the first patient to receive a blood transfusion and credits his survival to its availability before he reached the hospital. “I’m more grateful and thankful to everybody that was involved and that blood that saved me,” he said. “I know that was a big part that kept me awake.”

The program is part of a growing trend across the country. In 2024, the Red Cross helped provide blood products to more than 130 air ambulances providers and EMS partners in Washington D.C., Alabama, Boston, Wake Forest and Indiana.

King and VanHoven stressed the importance of patients having access to lifesaving blood and encouraged people to give blood.  

“If you’ve ever thought about donating blood, now is the time,” King said. 

A blood donation appointment takes about one hour. The donation itself is only 8-10 minutes.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.