As record numbers of people make plans to get away for Independence Day, nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is urging all eligible blood donors to make an appointment to help relieve a critical blood shortage, reminding the public that patient needs for both routine and emergency blood transfusions don’t take a holiday.
According to AAA estimates, a record 42 million people will travel for the July 4 holiday weekend, and that translates into fewer blood donors who are available to give. As a special thank you, those who donate with Vitalant July 1-9 will receive an exclusive Vitalant “flippin’ awesome donor” grilling apron* while supplies last, in addition to being entered to win one of three, $3,000 prepaid gift cards**, both redeemable by email.
All blood types and platelets are critically needed, especially type O blood, the most transfused and the most versatile when there’s not time to test a patient’s blood type. Donors don’t need to know their blood type to help. In fact, new donors can learn their preliminary blood type during their first visit,*** and all Vitalant donors can see their lab-confirmed blood type in their secure and confidential online account within two weeks of donating. All who are eligible to donate are urged to make an appointment to give over the next days and weeks. Visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) for the most updated information.
Donors who meet all eligibility requirements can be as young as 16 with parental consent, and there is no upper age limit. Masks are optional for staff, donors and visitors except where required by local regulations or blood drive host. There is no waiting period to donate after receiving a COVID vaccine or booster.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**Terms and conditions apply.
***Not available in Nevada due to state restrictions.
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 nearly 5,000 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.