by Joey Mandeville

Blood drives held at Vanderbilt are more vital than ever during the summer months. As potential donors go on vacation and high schools, which contribute 17 percent of donations, close their doors until fall, institutions such as Vanderbilt – with its large staff population – are called upon to give more to meet the demand.

The demand for donor blood is high, with the local American Red Cross requiring 900 pints of blood every weekday to meet the needs of more than 60 hospitals, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Giving is especially important for universal donors with the O-negative blood type, since patients in critical condition can receive this blood without being cross-matched for a specific blood type.

The Red Cross receives most of its donations from donors who make it a habit to give multiple times a year and is always seeking new volunteers, according to Daniel Stockton, Vanderbilt’s Red Cross representative.

Upcoming opportunities to donate at Vanderbilt are July 7, 15 and 29. Log on to www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code “vandy19” to make an appointment and find a donation location near you.

Contact: Aileen Tackett, (615) 343-2375
aileen.tackett@vanderbilt.edu