Save a life this Holiday Season. Donate Blood at Butte Vitalant.

As many have been reminded through flyer we received in the mail this week, the need for blood donations during the holiday season will not be taking a winter break.  Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Many believe that most blood is needed after major disasters, but daily personal emergencies and existing medical needs of thousands are reliant upon blood that is already on hospital shelves.   And that blood can only come from a volunteer.  A volunteer like you.

What if you are afraid of needles or have never donated before?  Donors have described the pain as nothing more than a mild pinch.  And first-time donors can be assured it's a very safe and simple process.

General eligibility requirements are that you are at least 18 years of age (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health and are feeling well on the day of your donation.  And scheduling an appointment is very easy.  In Butte, Vitalant is at 3745 Harrison Avenue and their hours are from 11am to 6pm on Thursdays, 7am to 3pm on Fridays and from 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.  As an added holiday bonus, donors will receive a free $10 Amazon gift card when they donate through December 31.

If this is a cause you truly believe in and want to really go the extra help, you can host a blood drive.  Vitalant has shown that almost anywhere from local churches, clubs and even businesses and libraries are very effective in bringing communities together through a very worthy common goal.