Three blood drives happening in Anaconda in May

May is the month of Mother's Day and it's also a month where there will be three opportunities for Anacondans to give the gift of life, as three blood drives are planned for the month of May.

On Friday, May 1, Pintler Physical Therapy at 110 Main St. in Anaconda will host the sixth annual Cline Family Blood Drive, with the blood drive to run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sign up to donate at redcrossblood.org (sponsor code PintlerPT) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

On Tuesday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Anaconda Junior/Senior High School chapter of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) will hold a blood drive at the AJSHS Little Theater. For an appointment, contact Nurse Heidi Nielsen at (406) 563-6141 ext. 1509 or Shawn Muffich either by phone at (406) 498-1206 or email smuffich@vitalant.org.

Finally, Vitalant will have a blood drive in Anaconda on Wednesday, May 27 at the Anaconda VFW, 500 E. 4th St., from 1:15-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit vitalant.org.

"Every day, generous blood donors help ensure patients and their families get more precious time together. Approaching Mother’s Day, a Montana mom is urging the community to support blood donation and honor moms this May," Vitalant stated in a press release. "What began as a routine pregnancy quickly became a life-threatening emergency for both mother and baby. Lynda delivered her son at just 31 weeks after developing preeclampsia that rapidly progressed to eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. As her condition worsened, doctors acted swiftly. Prior to an emergency C-section, Lynda required a platelet transfusion to help prevent severe bleeding. Her son was born premature but resilient, spending 47 days in the NICU, while Lynda required 15 days of recovery. Today, he is a thriving and energetic 8-year-old. Stories like Lynda’s are made possible by blood donors whose generosity helps save lives every day."

Eligible Blood Donors Needed

An always-ready blood supply is vital to support moms in 1 in 83 deliveries, and for many more patients who are fighting cancer, undergoing heart or transplant surgeries or living with blood disorders. All blood types are constantly needed, especially type O and platelet donations. Type O blood can help the most patients, which is critical when there’s no time to test the patient’s blood type. Platelets, which help stop bleeding, must be used within a week of donation.

Multiple Ways to Help

Trish has also been a blood donor since high school. She is again healthy and donates regularly. She and her extended family host blood drives, another vital way to introduce blood donation to community members. Making a financial gift to the Vitalant Foundation is another impactful way to help. Learn more about all the ways to support patients at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).