Blood shortage crisis in Northstate: Vitalant urges citizens to donate

CHICO, Calif. — A blood shortage has been a problem for quite some time. Vitalant Blood Donations said that they have seen a massive drop in donations since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This can be due to a few reasons but nothing really in particular. Vitalant told KRCR that most people can donate blood but only 3% do. This is a major problem because there is no artificial substitute for blood. Officials say every two seconds, a blood transfusion occurs in the U.S. and that blood is perishable and expires so the need for donations is more needed than ever.

KRCR spoke with Vitalant Donor Care Supervisor, Brandy Lenhart, about what blood types are most ideal. “All blood types are needed, but we really are hoping for O+ or O- because O+ donors can go to anyone with positive blood, and O- can go to anyone,” said Lenhart.

“The holidays are coming up and I know people really want to give back during Thanksgiving and Christmas and I say come in and donate blood.” Lenhart continued, “It takes an hour of your time to be a hero and save someone’s life.”

Donating blood can help several people including cancer patients, trauma patients, newborn babies, and more. Lenhart said you do not need to know your blood type to donate as long as you’re healthy and hydrated they welcome you in for donations.

Now if you can’t donate blood, there are still ways to help and get involved. Vitalant told KRCR they always welcome volunteers and encourage people to host blood drives in the Northstate.