Blood donors critically needed in February

Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant urges all eligible donors to help meet the critical patient need for blood donations, share the love and make a heartfelt difference in February, Heart Health Month.

In addition to helping save lives, Vitalant donors receive a free mini-physical checking their pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol level.

With each donation, donors can help save more than one life and track their wellness information in their secure and confidential online portal account.

To make a blood donation appointment, download the Vitalant app, visit vitalant.org or call 1-877-25-VITAL (1-877-258-4825).

The Bloodmobile will visit Fry’s at 10450 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27.

In Tucson, donors have three opportunities to give blood: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Rincon Country West RV Park, Rally Room, 4555 S. Mission Road; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at DOD Tucson National Guard, Main Multipurpose Room, 1750 E. Silverlake Road, and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the Bloodmobile parked at UA Alpha Epsilon Delta, on Highland between Fourth and Sixth streets.

Donors of every blood type are critically needed, especially those with type O. O-negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient when there’s no time to match. O-positive is the most in-demand and transfused blood type. Platelet donations are also critically needed every day. About 50% of platelet donations go to help cancer patients.