SANDPOINT — The Vitalant blood drive will be making a handful of stops in Bonner County in the next two months to promote generous blood donations. Donate between Feb. 1-8, to receive a $10 rewards card. However, individuals must opt-in to Vitalant’s donor reward program to receive the card. 

All blood types are encouraged to donate, especially blood type O donors. Audrey Lewis, Vitalant Representative shares, “every blood type is needed, but we hold a special place in our hearts for the O donors as they are the universal donor and often the type given in an emergency situation. On the flip side, O donor can only receive from their other O donors, so it is just as important for their types available for themselves.” 

For those that are weary of needles or donating, Lewis offers other volunteer options that can help Vitalant’s mission. “If you can’t donate yourself, think about being a blood drive coordinator and host a blood drive at your business, community, or church. Another great way to help us is by spreading awareness. Share information of upcoming blood drives on social media, talk to friends and family, or distribute flyers at local events or businesses. Many people simply don’t know how critical the need for blood is. By helping spread the word, you can encourage more people to donate.” 

Vitalant will be in Bonner County four times throughout February and March.  

Tuesday, Feb. 6, Vitalant will be at the Sandpoint Library community room from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The bloodmobile will be at the Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  

Tuesday, Feb. 6, the bloodmobile will be at Percussionaire in Kootenai from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Friday, Feb. 21, Vitalant will be at Bonner General Health, Cabinet Monarch Room, from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Saturday, March 8, the bloodmobile will be at Sandpoint Community Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Thursday, March 13, the bloodmobile will be at Life Care Center of Sandpoint from noon to 3:30 p.m. 

“Every donation, no matter how small, contributes to a larger collective impact. If everyone thinks “someone else will,” the whole system can stall. By donating, you're ensuring that the cause has what it needs to keep moving forward, and your contribution adds up with others to make a real difference,” Lewis said. 

Registration for an appointment is not required but encouraged. Individuals can sign up for a donation time by calling or texting Vitalant representative Audrey Lewis at 509-942-9596, calling Vitalant at 877-258-VITAL (4825) or you can go to vitalant.org.