Blood drive coordinators are our front-line heroes during the most difficult time of the year. Your winter blood drive can help fill the gaps caused by weather-related cancellations in areas like the Dakotas, Washington, and numerous areas throughout the Midwest, which can lead to critical blood shortages. Thanks to Vitalant’s nationwide footprint, donations collected in California, Arizona and other mild-climate regions can be shipped to hospitals where storms have put donations on pause.
Vitalant’s reach extends far beyond our donors’ local donation centers. With a national footprint, deep community ties and a shared mission, we serve as the vital connection between donors and patients, helping ensure blood is available whenever and wherever it’s needed.
With around 115 donation centers across the country and numerous blood drives thanks to dedicated coordinators like you, Vitalant is woven into the fabric of America’s healthcare system. In fact, we support approximately 900 hospitals nationwide, providing lifesaving blood and specialized services. Whether you're in a snow-covered town in North Dakota, a coastal community in Cali, or a desert city in Arizona, your efforts as a coordinator are part of something much bigger. You are helping fuel the progress of transfusion medicine and helping patients every step of the way.
When winter storms hit, blood drives in snowy regions like the Dakotas and Washington state are often canceled, and travel becomes too dangerous for donors. That’s where states like Arizona and California play a critical role. With milder winters and consistent access to blood donors, these regions help bridge the gap in the national blood supply. Blood collected in warmer states can be quickly shipped to hospitals in weather-impacted areas — keeping lifesaving treatments on track when local donations dip. Your efforts to host and bring donors together, no matter where you're located, help maintain a stable, connected national supply during one of the most challenging times of the year.
Vitalant van finds itself snowbound by winter weather.
Hosting a drive now doesn’t just support your local community; it helps maintain a stable, national blood supply. Every successful drive you host gives patients fighting trauma, surgery and chronic illness a much better chance. And to thank you for everything you do and help you rally support, we have some pretty awesome winter offers for you!
- Help ensure patients have the blood they need through the Thanksgiving holiday by hosting a blood drive on a critical day from Nov. 24-30, 2025, and receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card, redeemable by email. Learn more.
- Host a blood drive on a day from Dec. 14 to Jan. 4, collect a minimum of 12 red cells and receive a surprise gift AND your choice of a $25 Amazon.com Gift Card OR a snack pack, all redeemable by email. Learn more.
- Host a blood drive Jan. 5-31, collect 12 or more red cells and receive a surprise gift. Engage at least 25% new donors and receive your choice of a $25 Amazon.com Gift Card** OR a mini-speaker and wireless earbud combo, both redeemable by email. Learn more .
Together, we can weather any season. Warm more hearts this winter by hosting your next blood drive soon.
Article published for the Vital Connections newsletter.