WALK-INS WELCOME!
Visit a location link below to make your appointment.
Who is Vitalant?
Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) is Arizona’s oldest and largest non-profit blood bank, 501 (c) (3). Our nation’s second largest blood provider, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, they are the sole blood provider to 94% of Arizona hospitals, 11 out of 15 counties including all of Maricopa county.
Why Donate?
Because lives depend on it! Did you know 600 donors are needed daily to meet Arizona transfusions requirements and with valley growth the need is increasing? During the JUL 4th holiday week, donations decrease by up to 25% while often the need increases due to holiday travel and accidents. It is the blood on the shelves that saves lives when emergencies happen. While communities and organizations are re-opening from the pandemic, many donors are not returning to donate because they now work remotely and no longer participate in their employer’s blood drives. Donating on JUL 6th will help replenish the holiday usage and rebuild our community’s blood supply.
What do I do once I make my appointment?
After making your appointment, donors may, day of donation, complete the Fast Track Health History Questionnaire at: https://www.vitalant.org/health. When completed, either print out the boarding pass or snap a picture of the QR code for Vitalant staff to scan.
Am I eligible to donate?
For updated donor eligibility requirements visit https://www.vitalant.org/blood-donation-requirements or call: 877-258-4825.
Here are the best practices:
Feeling well and healthy, have not traveled out of the country within 28 days, see vitalant.org landing page for updated COVID-19 deferrals
Weigh at least 110 lbs. –some restrictions apply if you are 16-22, please see eligibility below, parental consent form need for ages 16 & 17
No Deferral for Tattoos received in 38 states, including Arizona
Most prescription medications are okay: allergy, insulin, thyroid, aspirin regimen, blood pressure, cholesterol, anti-depressants, birth control, and hormone replacement. You can take one of these or all of these, and most likely still give blood
What if I am a minor?
Young adults who are ages 16 and 17 are eligible to donate with their parent consent. Anyone under the age of 16 years is not eligible for donation. Please print and complete this form prior to your appointment: https://vitalant.org/Doc-Control/BS_319RS_R8.
What is the Donation Process?
Takes about 60 minutes, only 10 minutes needle in the arm
Interview Questions: helps ensure safety of blood for transfusion and safety for you as a donor
Mini-Physical: height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc.
Actual Donation – about 10 minutes
Post Donation: Wait 15 minutes, eat snacks to ensure blood sugar, blood pressure and sodium levels are restored
How to Prepare for Donation:
2 days prior to donation, increase your water intake – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Eat a healthy meal (do not fast)
Bring your photo ID that shows first and last names
Woman, #1 deferral is low iron, begin eating iron rich foods
Day of donation, donors may visit https://www.vitalant.org/health to take their health history prior to donating
It is recommended that donors visit the restroom prior to beginning the donation process