Amid a critical blood shortage, the Hillsdale Shopping Center will host a Vitalant Blood Drive this Friday, Dec. 3.
“Type O, the most transfused blood type, is at its lowest level in 2021,” officials said. “Every three seconds someone in America needs blood, and 100 percent of the blood supply comes from donors.”
The mobile donation center will be located in the southwest parking lot near Hillsdale Blvd and West Sailer Drive. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made here. Donors should arrive well-nourished and hydrated with photo ID containing first and last name. The donation process takes about an hour. Donors can “power up” their contribution with an automated double red cell donation, which lasts 1.20 hours. Donors can complete the Fast Track Health History questionnaire online prior to arriving at the drive. The questionnaire must be completed the same day as the donation.
All donors must wear a mask or cloth-based face covering. Click here for COVID-19 Protocols. There is no waiting period to give blood after receiving an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine, and new blood donors can now learn their preliminary blood type right away.
Photo courtesy of Vitalant
