Nonprofit Vitalant provides hospital, patients across US with safe, ready blood supply

Donating blood is a direct way for citizens to help their community and beyond. When someone donates blood with Vitalant, they have the potential to help hospital patients both within the local community and nationwide. It’s a simple yet powerful act that has the capacity to transform lives.

Vitalant is a nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organization that plays a pivotal role in providing hospitals and patients across the United States with a safe and ready blood supply.

With a network of 115 donation centers and approximately 60,000 blood drives annually, Vitalant’s services extend to approximately 900 hospitals, ensuring that patients have access to the life-saving blood and special services they need when and where they need it. This extensive footprint allows Vitalant to quickly deliver blood where it’s needed most – especially during personal emergencies and the ongoing medical needs of thousands of patients – and became “the thread that connects people and resources together to fuel progress in transfusion medicine,” said Krista Guillory, account manager.

“Our mission is to unite blood and biologics donors, talent and innovation to save and improve lives. Our vision is to become the nation’s most innovative and inclusive blood and biotherapies partner. At Vitaland, we focus our efforts on making sure enough blood is available for patients when and where they need it. Vitaland is working to expand our capabilities so we can save and improve more lives through projects and services.”

Vitalant has donation centers in three different Louisiana cities: Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Morgan City. While there are no current plans to add a permanent fixed center in Southwest Louisiana, Vitalant regularly has mobile sites take trips to the area, collecting under 50 units of blood each month in SWLA.

The network has been working in Louisiana since 1953 under the name Southwest Blood Banks Incorporated, otherwise known as United Blood Services. In 2018, the company rebranded to “unite our blood banks across the nation under one identity” – Vitalant.

Despite Vitalant’s efforts, the need for blood donors remains pressing. Over the past few years, there has been a decline in the donor population, creating a global need for more blood donations. Natural disasters, like those experienced in Southwest Louisiana, have further exacerbated the problem, impacting hospital usage and increasing demand. What hasn’t changed is that “every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion.”

Blood donation is a direct
way for citizens to help mitigate this problem, Guillory said.

“Being a blood donor is choosing to be a part of something bigger than yourself. The ultimate pay-it-forward moment – to move life forward – is the simple act of giving blood. You have a source of life within you that has the power to transform another life.

She said that when someone gives blood through Vitalant, the impact is felt both locally and nationwide.

“The benefits of our larger footprint are vast, including leveraging our coast-to-coast network of donation centers so every donation has the potential to impact more lives.”

There are three different types of donations that can be made with Vitalant: Power Red donation, platelet donation and plasma donation. The donation types cover different parts of the blood, Guillory said.

“Our blood, which in the blood bank world is known as ‘whole blood,’ is made up of three different components. Each component serves its own major role in blood products services, but all are vastly important when it comes to the specific needs and treatments it’s used for.”

Power Red donations “pack double the impact” through an automated procedure that collects a concentrated donation of red cells that can assist double the patients. This type of donation is especially helpful to trauma victims, newborn babies and sickle cell patients.

The total time to complete a power red donation is about one and a half hours, and with the actual donation time being about 40 to 45 minutes. A person can give a Power Red donation every 112 days up to three times a year.

People with the blood types O-, O+, A- and B- are encouraged to participate in this donation.

Platelet is a key blood component that helps blood clot to stop bleeding. These donations are vital for cancer patients, because chemotherapy can destroy platelets. Those with blood disorders, or that are undergoing open-heart surgeries and organ transplants, can also benefit from these donations.

They are collected by a machine that removes platelets and returns red blood cells and plasma to donors. The physical donation is two hours, but the entire process can take two and a half to three hours.

Those with A+, B+, AB+and AB- blood types are recommended for platelet donations, and can donate every seven days up to 24 times a year.

Donated plasma – the liquid portion of blood that carries other components of blood – can help patients with serious burns or major blood loss caused by other traumas.

The automated process to remove only the plasma from your blood takes approximately 20 to 45 minutes, with the full donation lasting one and a half to two hours. Plasma can be donated every 28 days up to 13 times a year, and AB+ and AB blood types are recommended for this type of donation.

When preparing for a donation, it is important to drink water and eat well up to 48 hours before your appointment. After arriving at the community mobile blood drive, donors should check-in for their appointment with a valid picture ID in hand. The trained staff on the mobile blood center will help donors complete a health screening and questionnaire, and a donor care specialist will review those results and find the best way for the donor to help.

Guillory said that it is important for donors to relax while the specialist prepares the materials and equipment. After the blood samples are collected and the donation process is complete, light refreshments to replenish fluids and nutrients will be provided.

“You’re done, feeling proud knowing you’ve helped to save up to three lives.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Vitalant will be at the American Press, 715 Ryan St.  To make an appointment at a community mobile blood drive, visit Vitalant.org.