Vitalant Press Release
April 1, 2019
Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services urges donors to check their eligibility for donating.
Did you know that only five percent of the population donates blood to meet 100 percent of patient blood needs? Misconceptions are a big reason why more people don’t donate blood but new donors are always in high demand.
“It’s surprising to hear the reasons why many people think they can’t donate, and most often it’s due to outdated or misunderstood information,” said senior donor recruitment representative, Katie Bartelson. “We encourage anyone who thinks they can’t donate blood to give us a call and find out more. With every donation we can save up to three lives. Think of the impact we can have if more people were willing and able to give!”
While much more goes in to qualifying a donor to safely give blood, there are many common instances when people assume they can’t give blood but generally is not disqualifying. Some of these include taking medication including blood pressure, cholesterol, or anti-depressants, traveling outside the U.S., getting a tattoo or piercing, or having a history of cancer.
Potential donors are encouraged to call Vitalant to find out if they are eligible to donate blood. The next opportunity to give will be April 10, 2019 at the Emery multi-purpose room from 1 - 5:30 p.m. Contact Olivia Forman by emailing her at [email protected] or call the school at 605-449-4271 to make an appointment.
To save time, donors can now fill out their Health History Questionnaire online at www.bloodhero.com the day of their donation. To donate blood, volunteers must be at least 16 years old (16 year old donors need a minor donor permit which is available at the blood drive or online) and be in good health.
Did you know that only five percent of the population donates blood to meet 100 percent of patient blood needs? Misconceptions are a big reason why more people don’t donate blood but new donors are always in high demand.
“It’s surprising to hear the reasons why many people think they can’t donate, and most often it’s due to outdated or misunderstood information,” said senior donor recruitment representative, Katie Bartelson. “We encourage anyone who thinks they can’t donate blood to give us a call and find out more. With every donation we can save up to three lives. Think of the impact we can have if more people were willing and able to give!”
While much more goes in to qualifying a donor to safely give blood, there are many common instances when people assume they can’t give blood but generally is not disqualifying. Some of these include taking medication including blood pressure, cholesterol, or anti-depressants, traveling outside the U.S., getting a tattoo or piercing, or having a history of cancer.
Potential donors are encouraged to call Vitalant to find out if they are eligible to donate blood. The next opportunity to give will be April 10, 2019 at the Emery multi-purpose room from 1 - 5:30 p.m. Contact Olivia Forman by emailing her at [email protected] or call the school at 605-449-4271 to make an appointment.
To save time, donors can now fill out their Health History Questionnaire online at www.bloodhero.com the day of their donation. To donate blood, volunteers must be at least 16 years old (16 year old donors need a minor donor permit which is available at the blood drive or online) and be in good health.