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June 30, 2021 — As many Americans turn their attention to filling their schedules with summer activities, Vitalant is urging all those who are eligible to first help patients and alleviate a critical blood shortage by making an appointment to donate. Donors who give between June 30 – July 6 can get an exclusive Vitalant T-shirt, redeemable by email.

Regular donations can make lifesaving difference
Right now, donated blood is going to hospitals at a faster pace than donors are coming to give. Patients who need a transfusion depend on the sustained commitment of volunteer blood donors all year round. More than half of all Vitalant blood donors give one time a year. If each of those donors made just one more donation in the coming weeks and months, Vitalant could avoid critical blood shortages. All types are needed, but especially type O blood donations—the most transfused blood type.

First-time donors can get sneak peek of their blood type
New donors are also vital to meeting patient needs. First-time donors with Vitalant can now get a glimpse at their blood type immediately* when they donate. Lab confirmation of blood type results and other useful health information is available about a week after donation in the donor’s online account.
 
How to give
To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, please visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Those who received a Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID-19 vaccine can give blood immediately if other eligibility requirements are met. Vitalant follows strict protocols to ensure the safety of donors, patients, and staff, including social distancing and other precautions. Face masks are required for all donors where state or local jurisdictions or blood drive hosts mandate. Otherwise, masks are only required for donors who are not fully vaccinated.