Every blood drive you coordinate is vital to providing patients lifesaving blood transfusions — but did you know your efforts also help fuel groundbreaking medical research? Through the Vitalant Research Institute, scientists are working to improve blood safety, develop new treatments, and advance lifesaving innovations in transfusion medicine.
The Vitalant Research Institute is dedicated to advancing blood safety worldwide through scientific research, education and the promotion of evidence-based policies. Its work helps ensure that every patient receives the safest, most effective care possible. From studying infectious disease transmission to exploring new ways to treat blood disorders, these efforts have a global impact.
Yet even with all the advancements in science and technology, there is still no substitute for human blood. Patients experiencing trauma, undergoing cancer treatment, or facing surgical emergencies rely every day on generous donors and the blood drives coordinators like you masterfully organize.
The best part? When people donate blood through Vitalant, in addition to helping save lives, they have the added potential of helping patients through research. Even in the event a blood donation cannot ultimately be used to help patients through transfusion, the consent ensures that precious resource can still make an impact.
Allowing researchers access to the information and samples allows them to quickly make informed assessments about the blood supply, for example, when a new virus emerges. Samples and information may also be used to improve the safety of transfusions and contribute to scientific knowledge and medical breakthroughs that can help people with illnesses including cancer, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and blood and autoimmune disorders.
You make it all possible. Thank you for your dedication to connecting donors to those in need and to the science that saves lives. Your commitment doesn’t just save lives today — it paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for being the bridge between generosity and groundbreaking medical advancements.