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Vitalant urgently seeking blood donors

LAUREN REICHENBACH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months, 3 weeks AGO
by LAUREN REICHENBACH
I’ve spent most of my life in northeastern Washington and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2021. After that, I spent roughly two years working for a small online newspaper in North Seattle before realizing big city living wasn’t for me. Me and my pup, Kodak, headed east, where we eventually landed in Sandpoint. When I’m not writing, you can find me spending time exercising and taking photos. I ran two half marathons in high school and after spending the past few years recovering from various injuries, I’m hoping to complete my first full marathon by the end of the year. I also love any outdoor activity, none of which would be complete without my dog. Kodak and I love going for walks and hikes, and I can’t wait to try to convince him to get in my kayak and spend the hot months of the year on Lake Pend Oreille. While he’s not a fan of baths, he sure does love chasing the ducks. | March 13, 2024 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Nonprofit blood donation organization Vitalant is hosting several upcoming blood drives to address an urgent need for more blood donors.

A special incentive is being offered to those who donate before Saturday, March 16 — an exclusive solar eclipse-themed T-shirt and free solar eclipse glasses. Additionally, through March 31, all donors will be automatically entered to win one of four $5,000 gift cards in the Celestial Giveaway.

“An adequate blood supply must be ready for patients every day before it’s needed,” Vitalant communications manager Vicki Wolfe said in an email. “Spring storms can cause blood drive cancellations and keep donors from coming out. Eligible donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to give to ensure the blood supply is sufficient before the unexpected occurs.”

Blood drives will be held in Sandpoint today from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Assembly of God Parkside Church and again Wednesday, March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Life Care Center of Sandpoint.

Multiple drives are also being held in Bonners Ferry in March. Find the Bloodmobile in town at Safeway on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, March 20, at the Bonners Ferry Woodland Mennonite Church from noon to 4:15 p.m.; and Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Mountain View Christian School.

Wolfe added that March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, a reminder that blood donations are needed not just for emergencies, but for patients with ongoing needs. The most common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease, affects the blood’s ability to clot and can cause excessive bleeding and pain.

Learn more about crucial blood donations and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 or locally at 530-243-0160.

MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES

Save lives, feel good as Vitalant sets several stops in county
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 4 weeks, 1 day ago
Bonners Ferry community blood drives announced
Bonners Ferry Herald | Updated 1 year ago
Warden High School blood drive sees one of its largest turnouts
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 9 months, 3 weeks ago

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