Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant urges all eligible donors to help meet the critical patient need for blood donations. Those who donate blood in February will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card redeemable by email.
Blood drives are taking place on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, with donors giving the ultimate gift of love.
February is also Heart Health Month. In addition to helping save lives, Vitalant donors receive a free mini-physical checking their pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol level. With each donation, donors can track their own wellness information in their secure and confidential online portal account.
Donors of every blood type are needed, but the need is most severe for type O blood. O-negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient when there’s no time to match.
O-positive is the most in-demand and transfused blood type. Platelet donations are also critically needed every day. About 50% of platelet donations go to help cancer patients.
Learn more about hosting blood drives, donating blood and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-258-4825. Learn more about the $10 Amazon.com gift card offer at vitalant.org/febgiftcard.
Upcoming Blood Drives
Tuesday Feb. 14
Lompoc: 1-4:30 p.m., 100 E. Locust Ave.
Santa Barbara: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Westmont College, 955 La Paz Road.
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Santa Barbara: 12:30-4 p.m., Santa Barbara County Public Health, 260 N. San Antonio Road.
Port Hueneme: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Parkview Elementary School, 1416 N. 6th Place.
Friday, Feb. 17
Lompoc: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Lompoc Valley Medical Center, 1515 E.Ocean Ave.
Friday, Feb. 24
Santa Barbara: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cottage Hospital, 400 W. Pueblo St.
Tuesday, Feb. 28
Goleta: 2-6 p.m., Camino Real Marketplace, 7046 Marketplace Drive.
Donors can also give at the Santa Barbara donation center, 4213 State St.
For more about Vitalant and to schedule a donation appointment, visit vitalant.org.