As family and friends go on vacation the need for blood does not.
The July 4th holiday will be a long weekend for many across the U.S., Vitalant is bracing for a shortfall of nearly 8,500 blood donations the week of July 1. In an effort to bolster local and national blood supplies and be prepared for unexpected events, Vitalant is calling on the community to come forward and give blood now and throughout the remainder of the summer.
Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important this time of year due to increased accidents and trauma cases. The current O-negative blood supply sits at an approximate two-day supply, which is half of the ideal quantity needed to support patient needs. Additionally, platelet donations, which have a shelf-life of only five days, are always in high demand. However, donors of all types are needed.