Patients Rely on Blood, Not Luck: Donors Needed in March

Vitalant donors could win $5,000 gift card

Patients who need blood transfusions often describe the effects as immediate. Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant urges all eligible blood donors to give blood in March and make a lifesaving difference.

Blood Donations Make an Instant Difference

At 21, doctors diagnosed Sarah Ortiz with Ewing Sarcoma, a bone cancer. She underwent a difficult chemotherapy protocol that took a toll on her body. Platelet and blood transfusions helped her eventually beat cancer.

“I was nervous at first to receive a blood transfusion, but by the time I was done, I had color in my cheeks; my gums turned pink, and I had energy, so much so, I became chatty and vibrant,” Ortiz said. “Each time I received blood I felt like a new person again. It allowed my body to not have to work so hard.”

All Blood Types Are Needed

Donors of all types are needed to help patients of all blood types. The need is greatest for type O, the most transfused and most compatible when a patient’s type isn’t immediately known.

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Blood donations are needed not just for emergencies and acute illnesses, but for patients who have long-term health issues. The most common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease, affects the blood’s ability to clot and can cause excessive bleeding and pain. Among other treatments, blood donations may help those whose blood does not clot properly on its own.

A Special Thanks to Donors

March 1-31, donors who give will be automatically entered into the Lucky Giveaway to win one of two $5,000 prepaid gift cards.*

Learn more at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Select Upcoming Sonoma County Blood Drives

Thursday, March 6, Santa Rosa, Summit Bank, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Tuesday, March 11, Petaluma, Petaluma Valley Hospital, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tuesday, March 18, Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Community Church, 11:30 AM – 3:45 PM

Wednesday, March 19, Petaluma, Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Friday, March 21, Santa Rosa, Providence Medical Group, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tuesday, March 25, Cloverdale, Papa’s Pizza, 1:30 PM – 5:15 PM

Donors can also give at the Santa Rosa donation center at 3505 Industrial Drive or any other community blood drive.