News

Sept. 1, 2021 — As back-to-school and work routines resume, blood and platelet donations have slowed, but the need remains strong. Vitalant is urging all eligible donors to make a blood or platelet donation appointment during National Preparedness Month in September to prevent a serious shortage and ensure blood is readily available for disasters large and small, including the everyday needs patients face. As a special thanks for donating around the Labor Day weekend, all donors who come donate Sept. 1 through Sept. 7 will receive an exclusive Vitalant T-shirt redeemable by email.

National Blood Donation Weeks is Sept. 1 - 7
Syndicated radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs has declared Sept. 1-7 National Blood Donation Week to raise awareness of the constant need for blood donations.

September is also National Sickle Cell Awareness Month 
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes sickle shaped red blood cells that can block blood flow and oxygen from reaching parts of the body. It affects about 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African or Latino descent. Sickle cell patients often need blood transfusions to alleviate pain. A blood transfusion from a donor with similar ethnicity can cause fewer health problems for those living with the disease. That is why it is important that donors of all backgrounds give regularly.
 
Initial blood typing for first-time donors
First-time donors with Vitalant can now get a glimpse at their blood type immediately* when they donate. Lab confirmation of blood type 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). There is no waiting period to donate after being vaccinated for COVID-19 or the seasonal flu shot. To support a safe environment and most efficiently follow the latest CDC guidance, masks are required for all donors, staff, volunteers and guests at Vitalant blood drives and facilities regardless of vaccination status.

About Vitalant
Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit blood services provider exclusively focused on providing lifesaving blood and comprehensive transfusion medicine services for about 900 hospitals and their patients across the U.S. Every day, Vitalant needs to collect about 5,300 blood, platelet and plasma donations to help save lives. For more information and to schedule a donation appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
*Nevada not included due to state restrictions.