Jan. 4, 2021 - Vitalant encourages people to help meet the ongoing need for blood, platelets and convalescent plasma by resolving to donate this January—National Blood Donor Month. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O, as well as convalescent plasma donors.
 
Type O blood
Type O blood is the most in-demand blood type, helping patients facing life-threatening conditions and emergencies every day. Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is what emergency room personnel reach for when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Type O positive blood is also especially needed because it is the most transfused blood type and can be given to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
 
Antibody testing for COVID plasma
COVID plasma, also known as convalescent plasma, is collected from those who have recovered from COVID-19. It contains antibodies that can be used to treat patients with an active, severe COVID-19 case to give them an extra boost to fight their illness. 
 
Even those who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 can help. When donors give blood or platelets, they are informed of their antibody status; if positive, Vitalant produces convalescent plasma from the donation. These donors can then give a convalescent plasma donation in the future to help even more COVID-19 patients. 
 
How to Give
To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, please click ‘Donate Now’ above or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
 
Blood donation is an essential and necessary health care activity permitted to continue during pandemic stay-at-home orders. 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.