Stormont Vail Health to Host Community Blood Drive

The current national blood shortage affects millions of people, including many within our community. With this growing need in mind, Stormont Vail Health is partnering with Community Blood Center to hold a community blood drive event on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pozez Education Center Centennial Rooms A/D inside Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave. Please enter the hospital through the main lobby in the North Tower to complete the screening process.

"Stormont Vail is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations," said David Villanueva, System Director, Team Member Experience, Employer Health & Wellness Operations. "This blood drive is our way of giving team members and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives."

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. According to the American Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative, and B negative types.

"We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life," said Villanueva.

One donation might seem like a drop in the bucket, but even one contribution can save as many as three lives. Donors can sign up and schedule appointments online through the Community Blood Center. Please contact the Community Blood Center for questions about medical eligibility at (877) 468-6844.

We ask our media partners to RSVP to Anita Fry if they plan to cover at (785) 581-2996 or anifry@stormontvail.org.