As thanks, all who give through Jan. 5 will receive an exclusive Vitalant “Winter Donor” long sleeve T-shirt redeemable via email plus bonus points in the donor store good for a $15 gift card. Starting Jan. 6, donors will be entered to win one of 24 $500 gift cards in the 24 in ’24 Blood Donation Giveaway Extravaganza.*
Vitalant is grateful for donors like Brian Mehlhoff. Mehlhoff is also a highway patrol sergeant who needed a blood transfusion in January 2013 after a crash left him with extensive injuries including a broken back, hips and jaw. Amazingly, within five months, Mehlhoff was back on the job. After a recent blood donation, he coincidentally played an additional role in helping patients. He was called to rush an emergency delivery of blood products in his patrol car.
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“I woke up the next morning with a text message from Vitalant that my blood was sent to a hospital,” Mehlhoff said. “I couldn’t help but wonder if a part of my donation was in that emergency delivery.”
Blood donations continually go out to hospitals to replenish the supply for patients and every donor can help more than one patient with each donation. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those who have type O blood or donate platelets. Type O-positive is the most transfused blood type while O-negative can help patients of any blood type. Donated platelets, which often help cancer patients, must be used within a week.
Learn more about hosting blood drives, donating blood and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
*Donors must have an online donor account and be opted into the donor recognition program to qualify for this drawing.