Public urged to give blood in July to help with summer shortages
Ann Johansson experienced the critical importance of blood donations firsthand.
Upcoming blood drives planned in SLO County
– Vitalant is urging all eligible volunteer blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by giving blood this July. Donations around the Fourth of July are typically among the lowest of the year, but patients’ needs do not take a vacation.
Ann Johansson experienced the critical importance of blood donations firsthand. Last summer, Johansson collapsed at an airport in Sweden due to catastrophic internal bleeding caused by a malformed artery in her abdomen. She underwent five surgeries and received blood transfusions. After being flown back to the U.S., she spent two more months in the hospital battling the rare condition and its complications.
“I will forever be grateful for strangers in Sweden and the U.S. who donated blood that saved my life and helped my body to heal,” Johansson said.
Vitalant emphasizes the urgent need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency, and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type.
As a special thanks for donating from July 8-27, donors will be automatically entered into Vitalant’s Summer Car Giveaway for a vehicle valued up to $30,000.
More information and appointments can be found at vitalant.org, through the Vitalant app, or by calling (877) 258-4825.
Upcoming Blood Drives in San Luis Obispo County:
- Friday, July 5, Home Depot, Atascadero, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Monday, July 15, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Buellton, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday, July 15, Movement for Life Physical Therapy, Morro Bay, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 17, Paso Robles Masonic Lodge, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, July 20, Paso Robles Walmart, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Donations can also be made at the Vitalant San Luis Obispo donation center at 4119 Broad Street.
