COLORADO, USA — Blood service provider Vitalant is urging the Colorado community to make a blood donation as the need increases over the Independence Day weekend.
Vitalant says it is bracing for a shortfall of nearly 8,500 blood donations the week of July 1.
“In addition to the typical summertime drop in donations, fewer donors are available because of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday,” said Vitalant Senior Director of Donor Recruitment Charlie Propernick. “This holiday week, celebrate by giving blood and doing something good for others—and yourself.”
Vitalant says donations from the universal blood type, O-negative, are currently at only a two-day supply. However, all blood types are needed due to increased accidents and trauma cases.
“Blood donors are the unsung heroes in blood cancer patients’ treatment,” said Chellie Voss, who was diagnosed with Leukemia and needed both blood transfusions and a stem cell transplant. “I am so grateful for these living angels who continue to selflessly donate this life source to patients in need."
Existing and first-time donors (of all blood types) can save a life this summer by making an appointment at vitalant.org or by calling 877-25-VITAL.
Vitalant has blood donation centers in Denver, Parker, Cheyenne, Colorado Springs, Casper, Rapid City, Westminster and Littleton, as well as mobile drives scheduled across Colorado.
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