During December, nonprofit Vitalant asks all who are eligible to schedule a blood donation appointment and help save lives.
Busy schedules and travel during the late December holiday weeks typically lead to the lowest donor turnout of the year, but the need for lifesaving blood remains constant and critical for patients, Vitalant reports.
As an extra sign of appreciation for donating, Vitalant is thanking December donors with the chance to win the Big $20,000 Giveaway. One donor’s name will be drawn to win a prepaid gift card of their choice.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/holidaygiveaway.
Those who donate Dec. 14-Jan. 4 and opt-in to Vitalant Donor Rewards will get a $15 gift card and a mystery item from the rewards store.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/holidaydonorgift.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O and platelet donors. Type O can help the most patients because of its compatibility. Platelets often help cancer patients, but maintaining that supply requires constant donations, because platelets must be used within a week of donation.
“Giving blood in the coming days or weeks helps maintain a steady supply essential for patients battling chronic illness, undergoing surgery or recovering from traumatic injuries,” Vitalant said.
To learn more and make an appointment to give, visit vitalant.org, download the vitalant app or call 877-258-4825.
Upcoming Santa Barbara County blood drives are:
Thursday, Dec. 11 – Carpinteria, Plan Member Services, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12 – Lompoc, Lompoc Valley Medial Center, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14 – Lompoc, Valley of Flowers ½ Century Club, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18 – Santa Maria, Fidelity National Title, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20 – Lompoc, United Boys and Girls Club, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Eligible donors can also give at the Vitalant Santa Barbara donation center, 1413 State St.; Vitalant Santa Maria donation center, 1770 S. Broadway; or any of the other over two dozen community blood drives held each week.
Vitalant is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply. Learn more at vitalant.org.