Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant has a critical summer blood shortage and is urging all eligible donors to schedule a blood donation in August to replenish the supply for patients. 

The need is especially critical for type O blood which is the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help patients with any blood type and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type. Platelet donations are also constantly needed for cancer patients, open-heart surgeries and transplants. Platelets must be used within a week of donation. 

As a special thank you for helping support the blood supply this summer, donors who come to give at Vitalant through Aug. 31 will be automatically entered to win one of 5 $5,000 prepaid gift cards in the Back-2-School Shopping Spree Giveaway. And starting Aug. 7, donors who are opted in to the donor recognition program will also receive enough points to redeem for a $10 gift card.

Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Donors who meet all eligibility requirements can be as young as 16 with parental consent, and there is no upper age limit.