MONTEREY COUNTY — As many gather for Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends, Vitalant urges eligible donors to give thanks by giving blood.
The need for blood is constant, and the holidays are no exception. A patient in the United States depends on lifesaving blood donations every two seconds.
Unfortunately, blood donations tend to decline during the holidays by more than 20%, including the days around Thanksgiving. Busy schedules, travel and seasonal illnesses can make it harder for eligible donors to give.
Blood donations must be ready for patients every day before they’re needed. Donations of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O, which is transfused the most. O-negative can help any patient. O-positive is nearly as versatile when there is no time to test a patient’s blood type.
Most people are eligible to donate blood and it only takes an hour from registration to enjoying snacks after donating blood. Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Upcoming Blood Drives in Monterey County
- Sunday, Nov. 24 – Salinas, Northridge Mall, 12-4 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 25 – King City, King City Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Salinas, United Way Monterey County, 12-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 4 – Seaside, Cal State Monterey, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge, 1-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 12 – Salinas, Meals on Wheels, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 19 – Seaside, Holiday Inn Express, 12-4 p.m.
Eligible donors can find a community blood drive near them or give at one of four Vitalant donation centers along the Central Coast.
