News

Dec. 1, 2021 — On average, blood donors give about 6,000 fewer donations through Vitalant in December than other months, but patients can’t take a holiday from needing blood. Vitalant urges all donors to make an appointment and make a difference this holiday season. 
 
Inclement weather and seasonal illness can take a toll
Extreme winter weather like snow, cold, high winds or heavy rain can all cause blood drive cancellations this time of year, which is why it’s important for donors in unaffected areas to give blood regularly to maintain the supply. In addition, seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu can cause fewer donors to be available to give. Healthy donors are always needed to ensure blood is available for hospital patients.
 
Urgent need for type O and platelets
To support routine and emergency surgeries, cancer treatments and more, every blood type can help a different patient in a different way. Type O is especially needed because it’s the most in-demand blood type. Platelets must be used within a week and are needed to help cancer patients who often require repeated transfusions.
 
How to Donate Blood
There’s no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a COVID vaccine or flu shot. Learn more or make an appointment at vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL.

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 about 5,300 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.