Elk Grove Community Blood Drive on June 10 Inspires Lifesaving Vitalant urges all who are eligible to donate as blood shortages increase ELK Grove, Calif. (June 1, 2022) — As more people plan summer activities, Vitalant is urging all who are eligible to make plans now to donate blood or platelets this summer to ensure every patient need can be met as it arises. The nation’s largest, independent nonprofit blood services provider for nearly 900 hospitals, including 45 in Northern California, has seen a significant drop in donations meaning the blood supply is not keeping pace with patients’ needs. It is vitally important for donors to give before disasters strike – small or large – and blood is needed. It is the blood on the shelf that saves lives in emergencies. Donating blood regularly prevents future blood shortages. A blood drive at the Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex at 9014 Bruceville Rd. in Elk Grove hopes to boost the blood supply on Friday, June 10 from 9 am – 5:30 pm. “While the topic of the blood supply is a serious one, especially for people needing blood due to cancer treatment, tragic accidents, surgeries and more,” states Meredith Spencer, Donor Recruitment Manager, “Vitalant is adding in a little fun to encourage our lifesaving donors to join us at the Wackford Community Blood drive” All blood drive participants will receive an admission ticket to the California State Fair at Cal Expo. Visit vitalant.org/castatefair to make an appointment. All blood types are critically needed, especially blood type O and platelets. Visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) for more information on eligibility. Take advantage of this opportunity to help someone in need AND get a wellness check as all donors go through a mini-physical prior to donating. Not only will blood donors learn their cholesterol levels but also their COVID-19 antibody status that can potentially help COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems. Donors who meet all eligibility requirements can give regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Masks are optional for staff, donors and visitors except where required by local regulations or blood drive host. About Vitalant Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit blood services provider exclusively focused on providing lifesaving blood and comprehensive transfusion medicine services for about 900 hospitals and their patients across the U.S. Every day, Vitalant needs to collect nearly 5,000 blood, platelet and plasma donations to help save lives. For more information and to schedule a donation appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.