Heat is on for Blood Donors to Save Lives This Summer

The need for blood donations never takes a break and the heat is on this August to help ensure every patient can get the blood they need. Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is thanking donors with a special gift: all who use code AUGUST15-2026-V when they make an appointment and donate in August, will receive a $15 gift card of their choice in Vitalant Donor Rewards.* 

Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs a transfusion and the need for a steady supply of donations is critical, especially for type O, which can help in almost every circumstance. O-positive is the most common blood type and can help most patients. O-negative is the universal donor that can help any patient of any blood type.

Aaron Bailey is getting ready to head back to school where he’s resumed teaching after a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Multiple platelet infusions helped him during intensive chemotherapy. Now cancer-free and a dad of two, Aaron also hosts blood drives at his high school to enable others to join the lifesaving cause of blood donation. 

“My experience changed my life in a profound way,” Aaron said. “I've learned to appreciate the small things in life, and see any challenge is never impossible to overcome.”

Learn more about eligibility and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). 

*See vitalant.org/augdonorgift for terms, conditions and official rules.