As the holiday season begins, November presents unique challenges for the region’s blood supply. Blood donations are especially vital to ensure a sufficient supply for patients, as busy schedules often lead to a decline in available donors. Emergencies and ongoing medical treatments requiring blood do not take a holiday break.
Vitalant is urging eligible donors to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks to help prevent critically low supplies for hospitals and patients in need of transfusions. To show appreciation for those who make a difference, Vitalant is hosting the “Make a Difference
Giveaway” where donors in November will have a chance to win one of three $10,000 gift cards.
Every blood type is important in preventing treatment delays for patients. Type O is the most commonly transfused blood type, with O-negative being a universal donor, able to help patients of any blood type, while O-positive can assist most patients. One donor’s impact is exemplified by Alexa Lamonica and her family, who are grateful for the three units of blood that supported her during a stem cell transplant as she fought Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID), commonly known as “bubble boy” disease. Recently, Alexa visited a Vitalant donation center to personally thank donors and present them with tokens of her appreciation.
“I don’t think you can ever repay someone for the gift of life,” said Alexa’s mom,
Michelle Lamonica. “We choose to celebrate by giving back to others and
spreading kindness.”
Most people are eligible to donate blood. To review eligibility requirements and
schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app, or call
877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Select Upcoming San Francisco Bay Area Blood Drives
November 2, Pacifica Moose Lodge, 8:00 AM – 1:15 PM
November 4, San Francisco State University, Jack Adams Hall, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
November 9, Santa Clara, Kublacon Gaming Convention, Hyatt Regency, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
November 14, Dublin, Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
November 20, Hayward, Chabot College, Fitness Center, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
November 25, San Jose, Cambrian Park Church, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Donors can give at any community blood drive or one of six Vitalant donation centers in the Bay Area.
About Vitalant
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.
