Mar. 3, 2021  — March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month—a great reminder for new and current blood donors to schedule an appointment to support the millions of patients across the U.S. who rely on regular donations for their treatment. Bleeding disorders can cause chronic pain, joint damage and uncontrollable bleeding. Blood donors help provide the necessary blood components needed by patients who have hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, along with other blood disorders like sickle cell disease.  

Type O blood in short supply 
While all blood types are needed right now, there’s a critical need for type O blood donations—the most transfused blood type. Type O donors can maximize their impact by giving a Power Red donation when two units of red cells are given, and other blood components are safely and comfortably returned to the donor. 

Platelets are constantly needed 
Platelets are tiny cells in blood that form clots and stop bleeding. They are given to cancer patients, people with blood disorders, open-heart surgeries and organ transplants. Platelets are constantly needed because they must be transfused within five days of donation. 

Testing for COVID-19 antibodies continues 
Vitalant continues to test donations for COVID-19 antibodies; if positive, Vitalant can produce convalescent plasma from the donation to treat COVID-19 patients. Other blood components from the donation can help patients undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for cancer or requiring regular transfusions for a chronic blood disorder. People who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to give blood, platelets or plasma if they meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria.   

How to Give 
To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, please visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).  

Vitalant follows strict protocols to ensure the safety of donors, patients and staff, including checking temperatures, social distancing, disinfecting public areas and requiring face masks.