Vitalant hosts annual Summer Classic Blood Drive amid blood shortage affecting Northern California

CHICO, Calif. – Vitalant is hosting its annual Summer Classic Blood Drive in the midst of a critical blood shortage impacting Northern California.

You can donate at the following three sites on Saturday, August 5:

• Chico – Donation Center at 555 Rio Lindo Avenue from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Redding – Donation Center at 2680 Larkspur Lane from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Yuba City – Boyd Hall at 1895 Lassen Blvd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

All donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance, which you can do through this link.

During the summer, Vitalant says the blood supply dwindles as regular donors are away on vacation, but the need for blood remains.

“While most people are eligible only about three percent of the population does donate, so he needs of many are resting on the shoulders of a few, so we do want to encourage anyone who’s able and willing to come out and donate to please do so,” Amy Fitzgerald, Vitalant Account Manager, said.

According to Vitalant, there are typically four days of blood available, but right now they have less than three days for almost all blood types.

Larry Bird stopped by the Chico Donation Center to donate blood Friday. He says he donates blood every two weeks, and has given over 30 gallons.

“It’s easy to do, and it doesn’t bother me, and a couple hours of your time, every two weeks, and it’s helping the community,” Bird said.

David Eads donates once a week, sometimes every other week. He says he started doing it after losing one of his nephews to leukemia.

“Just giving back to people, a little bit. You know it’s for the cancer patients, you know, I’ve seen what they go through and that’s mainly it,” Eads said.

Vitalant has snacks and ice cream available for all donors, including a free pizza pass for a one-topping Round Table pizza. Each blood donor also receives a free t-shirt, available in all sizes.