MONTEREY COUNTY — Blood donations can be especially critical during emergencies, when the need for transfusions can increase, according to Vitalant, which is urging eligible donors to give blood during National Preparedness Month in September.
“Every day, patients need lifesaving blood transfusions, and in times of disaster, that need can multiply,” Vitalant said. “Blood donated before an emergency strikes is what helps save lives.”
Donors of all blood types are needed to maintain a diverse blood supply and prepare for emergencies, the organization said. Type O blood is especially important because it is among the most-transfused blood types.
O-negative blood can be used in emergencies when there is not enough time to determine a patient’s blood type, while O-positive blood can help patients with a positive blood type, which represents more than 85% of the population, according to Vitalant.
“That’s why every donation matters — and why giving blood before an emergency happens can make a lifesaving difference when patients need it most,” the organization said.
More than 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood, and donors do not need to know their blood type before making an appointment. Appointments can be made through Vitalant at vitalant.org, the Vitalant blood donor app or by calling 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
All donors during September will also receive a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt.
Several blood drives are scheduled throughout Monterey County in September, including a Sept. 24 drive at Hartnell College in Salinas from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and a Sept. 28 drive at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey from noon to 4:15 p.m.
Vitalant said those events are among more than two dozen community blood drives held each week along the Central Coast. Residents can also donate at any of the organization’s four donation centers.
