PITTSBURGH, PA (April 24, 2024) — Annually, about 219,000 units of blood and platelets are needed for women’s health emergencies, including those necessary for 1 in every 83 births. As Trauma Awareness Month and Mother’s Day approach in May, nonprofit Vitalant highlights this essential need by thanking donors who give blood between April 21 and May 23 with a chance to win one of 83, $83 gift cards when they opt-in to the Vitalant Donor Rewards program.

 

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are crucial to maintaining a robust blood supply for emergencies and ongoing medical treatments. Anne, a nurse practitioner and rare disease researcher from UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, faced a life-threatening situation due to a rare artery condition after collapsing at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport. Her ordeal highlights the critical importance of swift medical intervention and community support.

 

Despite severe complications including multiorgan failure and a subsequent coma, Anne’s life was saved thanks to the prompt actions of a fellow nurse and the support of blood donations.

 

“I will forever be grateful for strangers in Sweden and the US who donated blood that saved my life and helped my body to heal,” Anne explains.

 

Anne’s story is a poignant reminder of the lifesaving impact of trauma care and the vital role of blood donations. Her journey from the brink of death to recovery highlights the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit and the profound gratitude she holds towards the healthcare professionals and blood donors in Sweden and the US who contributed to her survival and rehabilitation. Anne’s experience serves as a powerful testament to the importance of preparedness and empathy in trauma response.

 

Learn all the ways you can get involved and make an appointment to donate at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

 

Upcoming Blood Drives

 

Monaca

Friday, May 17

Families Matter Food Pantry

186 Wagner Rd.

1 PM – 5:30 PM

 

New Castle

Thursday, May 2

Mohawk High School

385 Mohawk School Rd.

8 AM -1 PM

 

Monday, May 13

New Covenant Church

1911 Harlansburg Rd.

12 PM – 5 PM

 

Friday, May 17

Don Services Inc.

831 Harrison St.

10 AM – 3 PM

Friday, May 24

St. Mary’s Church – Parish Center

117 N. Beaver St.

11 AM – 4 PM