Vitalant, which serves approximately 900 hospitals nationwide, has been at the forefront of addressing these shortages. Photo courtesy of Vitalant

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - In an effort to combat persistent blood shortages in California, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partners with Vitalant every three months. Community members are invited to donate on Thursday, March 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 7009 Van Maren Ln. to help strengthen the local blood supply and raise awareness about the critical need for regular donations.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood, underscoring the constant demand for this lifesaving resource. While 38% of the population is eligible to donate, only about 3% actually do, leading to frequent shortages, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Even a few new regular donors can make a difference.

Vitalant, which serves approximately 900 hospitals nationwide, has been at the forefront of addressing these shortages. In 2023, the organization collected more than 1.6 million donations from 610,000 donors at 24,600 community blood drives and about 115 donation centers, resulting in 2.1 million blood components for patients in need.

Blood centers nationwide have seen donations decline as a lingering result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise of remote work ended many workplace-based drives, while school-site drives, once a major source of regular donations.

“Many people have fallen out of the routine, and we need them,” said Stephanie Kresse, a Vitalant account manager. Without those convenient avenues, it is up to eligible donors to make a personal commitment to their community’s medical needs.

Scan QR code to schedule an appointment for the blood drive on March 27. Photo courtesy of Vitalant

The Citrus Heights community blood drive aims to help close that gap by bringing the donation team closer to local residents. For those unable to donate on March 27, Vitalant also operates centers in Fair Oaks, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento with flexible hours throughout the week.

To participate in the March 27 blood drive, schedule an appointment at donors.vitalant.org using the blood drive code SMFR048, call 877-258-4825, or scan the QR code below. Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation experience, but walk-ins are welcome.

"We encourage donors to review Vitalant's guidelines to ensure they meet the health qualifications" said Mike Petterborg, a church volunteer organizing the event. “We hope to collect 30 units of blood at each drive, though we often bring in about 20.”

Vitalant emphasizes that the donation process is safe, quick, and rewarding. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine or recovered from the virus may still be eligible to donate, provided they meet specific criteria.

Those unable to donate can still make an impact. Businesses and community organizations with available space can host a blood drive to help meet ongoing demand. Learn more at vitalant.org/host-a-blood-drive. Your contribution today can make a life-changing difference tomorrow.