Vitalant - Donating Blood Makes an Impact

Your role in the world matters.

When you give blood with Vitalant, you have the potential to help hospital patients within your community and, when the need arises, others across the country.

When extreme weather and unforeseen tragedies occur, our experienced nationwide team members jump into action to quickly deliver blood where it’s needed most. The benefits of our larger footprint are vast, including leveraging our coast-to-coast network of donation centers so every donation has the potential to impact more lives.

Many people believe that most blood is needed after major disasters. However, daily personal emergencies and ongoing medical needs of thousands of patients require a constant and ready blood supply. It’s the blood already on hospital shelves that saves lives.

Every day in the U.S., patients in hospitals, surgical centers and emergency treatment facilities need approximately:

29,000 units of red blood cells
5,000 units of platelets
6,500 units of plasma

What Happens to Your Blood After You Donate?

Read more about everyday people whose lives have been transformed by the generosity of others.

After suffering not one but two life-threatening pregnancy complications nine years apart, Kristin needed a total of 42 blood transfusions that changed her life and her family’s lives.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the blood donors who generously gave their time to make a donation. You are making a real difference.”

– Kristin, blood recipient

At only 20 days old, little Oliver, a preemie, endured heart surgery. During the next four-plus months in the hospital, he received a total of 11 blood transfusions.

“I encourage everyone to give blood. Just look at Ollie–11 individuals helped him survive, and we are forever grateful.”

– Katie, mother of blood recipient

A true fighter, Jaziel battled leukemia three times and received 135 blood transfusions during his childhood. Now cancer free and a high school graduate, he has dreams of becoming an oncology nurse.

“My childhood was interrupted by cancer for six long, extremely emotional years. I can say I always knew I wasn’t alone thanks to my generous blood donors.”

– Jaziel, blood recipient

You’re part of something bigger than yourself. The ultimate pay-it-forward moment—in order to move life forward—is the simple act of giving blood. You have a source of life pulsing within you that has the power to transform another life.

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When hospitals have an ample supply of blood, patients who need it—no matter the reason—have hope.

Patient usage - red blood cells: 40% - inpatient/hematology/oncology; 17% - critical care/ICU; 15% - outpatient; 14% - surgery/transplant; 10% trauma/ER; 2% - obstetrics/gynecology; 2% - pediatrics/neonates

Patient usage - platelets: 42% - inpatient/hematology/oncology; 19% - critical care/ICU; 15% - outpatient; 15% - surgery/transplant; 5% - pediatrics/neonates; 4% - trauma/ER; 1% - obsetric/gynecology. Total: 101% due to rounding.