Vitalant Urges Public to Donate Blood this Summer

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Summer is here and with that brings a shortage in blood.

Every summer blood banks from around the country struggle to keep enough blood to help people in emergency situations. The main reason for this is because schools and universities have let out for Summer Vacation. 

Schools and Universities account for more than 20 percent of all blood donations. Vitalant drives their mobile blood mobile to many campus' around the Concho Valley throughout the school year for students and facility to donate blood. According to the Donor Recruitment Supervisor Linda Grace, mobile blood drives contribute two out of every three pints of blood. 

"The whole donor base is outside," said Grace. "with that causes accidents where people need blood." With people not giving blood and accident rates increase the blood bank will only become shorter and shorter. Even the most prevalent type of blood, O positive, is becoming extremely low. 

Even though this is a National concern, San Angelo's Vitalant needs every bit to help the cause. "We are the sole provider of blood and it's products to eight hospitals in the Concho Valley," said Grace. "We are apart of a large group of blood banks so there are times when we are called upon to help." When this happens Vitalant and the hospitals around the area have to be aware of the shortage. 

One of the incentives to come into Vitalant during summer time is that on Fridays Fuzzy's Tacos will be serving free breakfast tacos as well as handing out coupons for free chips and queso. 

Vitalant solely relies on volunteers to donate and if you would like to have the mobile bus come to your business just call them at 325-223-7515. In order for the blood mobile to come you must have ten people willing to donate. 

You can also walk in at 2020 W Beauregard.