Donors of all blood types are needed this summer, especially those with type O – the most transfused blood type.
Blood donations typically drop by the thousands during the summer months, but nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant reminds all eligible donors that patients can’t take a break from needing lifesaving blood transfusions.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O – the most transfused blood type. O-positive is the most common in the U.S. population and O-negative can be used to help any patient when it’s an emergency and a patient’s blood type isn’t known.
June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, celebrating those committed to making sure there is always enough blood available for patients. Julie Dupray recently donated for the 500th time. She started giving blood about 20 years ago after a friend needed blood. She now donates platelets, a blood component that helps stop bleeding that is often used to help cancer patients. Platelets are constantly in demand because they must be used within a week of donation.
“I feel very fortunate to have good health and enjoy life,” Julie said. “I send on that good fortune with each and every blood donation. If those of us who can donate, don’t, then who will donate for those in need?”
Most people are eligible to donate and there is no upper age limit. Review updated blood donor eligibility requirements and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent) 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, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at vitalant.org.
