Local Blood Donation Centers Seeking to Aid Victims of Bomb Cyclone

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The winter storm that has crippled a large portion of the United States has sent area blood donation centers into overdrive.

Vitalant estimates they lost roughly 1,000 blood donations during Winter Storm Ulmer, which affected an estimated 105 million people. Some more locations were also not able to transport samples to their testing lab which meant they were not able to release the blood to hospitals in need.

So, Vitalant is now calling for help to rebuild their community blood supply.

"We’re strongly urging our donors here to give blood now in support of those areas severely impacted by this storm and to rebuild the blood supply," Vitalant said in a statement. "The severity of this issue has the potential to negatively impact patient care. It’s imperative that every person who feels healthy and is eligible gives blood now."

Vitalant is in need of all blood types. Their goal is to collect 875 donations of all blood types each week.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Donors are strongly encouraged to give blood today through next week to immediately rebuild the community blood supply. 

To schedule an appointment to give blood, go to vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825. Walk-in donors are always welcome. Most centers are extending their hours to accommodate additional donors.