Jaziel Olmeda has battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia three times, starting at age 7, needing more than 130 units of blood and platelets to help beat the disease. Thanks to blood donors, he is now living his dream to be a nurse, working at the same children’s hospital unit where he was once a patient. “I noticed right away that I felt much better,” Jaziel said. “Because of blood donations and my medical team and everyone I’m still here and able to advocate for the importance of blood donation.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donors are needed every day to provide a steady supply of all blood types, especially type O blood and platelets. Type O helps more patients than any other blood type. Platelets are most often used to help those battling cancer and must be used within a week of donation, making regular donations that much more vital.
Review eligibility requirements and make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Donors who are opted in to Vitalant Donor Rewards can receive special thank-you gifts. Those who give between Sept. 1-10 using promo code LABORDAY-2026-V when scheduling will receive a $20 gift card. Donors all during September can receive a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt in time for Halloween*.
* Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/SeptDonorGift for more information.