Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is urging all eligible donors to schedule a blood donation this July. Blood donations the week surrounding the Fourth of July typically drop by 2,000 or more and are among the lowest of the summer season. But the blood supply must continually be replenished as emergency surgeries, treatments for blood disorders and cancer therapies that use blood can’t take a break for holidays.
In addition to fewer donors being available during the summer due to travel or other activities, the need for blood can also go up during what many hospitals refer to as “trauma season,” when injuries from outdoor activities tend to rise.
Type O blood is the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type. Platelet donations are also constantly needed for cancer patients, open-heart surgeries and transplants. Platelets must be used within a week of donation.
As a special thank you, donors who come to give July 1-7 will receive an exclusive Vitalant cooler, redeemable by email.
Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).