LAFAYETTE, LA – As the holiday season approaches and calendars fill with family gatherings and travel plans, the need for blood donations continues — every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood. To help meet that ongoing need, nonprofit blood provider Vitalant is urging eligible donors to “give thanks by giving blood” this November.
A simple one-hour donation can make a life-saving difference, ensuring hospitals have enough blood for patients throughout the busy holiday months. Vitalant says donors of all blood types are needed to keep supplies stable, especially type O donors and platelet donors.
O-negative blood can help any patient in need, while
O-positive, the most common type, can help anyone with a positive blood type.
Blood Helps Even the Littlest Patients
November is also National Prematurity Awareness Month, highlighting the needs of premature infants who often require blood transfusions to survive and grow. The National Institutes of Health reports that more than 80% of extremely preterm babies need at least one transfusion within their first month of life.
Vitalant’s “Shopping Spree Giveaway”
To show appreciation for those who give, Vitalant is offering a special incentive this month. All donors in November will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of two $10,000 prepaid gift cards as part of the Shopping Spree Giveaway. Additionally, donors who give between November 24–30 and are enrolled in the Vitalant Donor Rewards Program will receive a $20 gift card of their choice.
Vitalant encourages everyone to take an hour this month to help save lives. To schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
“Giving blood is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to give back this season,” Vitalant said. “Your donation could be the gift that saves a life.”