Apr. 1, 2021 — National Donate Life Month in April honors those who have saved lives through the gift of organ donation. In 2020, almost 40,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S., according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Most of these required blood and platelets to support patients during surgery.  

When a heart becomes available for transplant, there is no time to wait. In fact, a heart must be transplanted within 4 to 6 hours, so it's essential that blood is on the shelf and ready to go when the call comes. There is no substitute for donated blood—blood donors help make these lifesaving surgeries possible. 

Type O blood in short supply
While all blood types are currently needed, there’s a critical need for type O blood donations—the most transfused blood type. Type O donors can maximize their impact by giving a Power Red donation when two units of red cells are given, and other blood components are safely and comfortably returned to the donor. 

Platelets constantly needed 
Platelets are tiny cells in blood that form clots and stop bleeding. They are given to organ transplant patients, cancer patients, people with blood disorders, and open-heart surgeries. Platelets are constantly needed because they must be transfused within five days of donation. 

Testing for COVID-19 antibodies  
Vitalant continues to test donations for COVID-19 antibodies; if positive, Vitalant can produce convalescent plasma from the donation to treat COVID-19 patients. Other blood components from the donation can help patients undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for cancer or requiring regular transfusions for a chronic blood disorder. People who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to give blood, platelets or plasma if they meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria.   

How to Give 
To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, please visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).