Vitalant’s Jennifer Campbell on The Need To Know Morning Show on The Flag
FARGO, N.D. — Regional blood center Vitalant is urging residents to donate blood amidst a critical shortage that has left supply levels across the nation severely depleted.
Jennifer Campbell of Vitalant appeared on air to discuss the region’s current supply status and recent donation efforts. While recent pop-up and mall blood drives yielded a strong turnout—including 147 donors, 138 pints collected, and 34 first-time donors at a three-day event at West Acres—the overall blood supply remains at a critical level.
According to Campbell, while Vitalant serves most hospitals across North Dakota, Western Minnesota, and Northern South Dakota, other national organizations like the Red Cross are experiencing historic lows. The Red Cross is currently appealing for donations during its second-lowest summer supply level in history, sitting at roughly a half-day blood supply compared to the standard five-day target.
“That’s when surgeries have to be canceled and decisions have to be made of who deserves this blood right now,” Campbell said.
She added that secondary supply sources, such as open-market blood center organizations, are also depleted, leaving blood banks with limited options to supplement their inventory. Type O blood—including O-positive and O-negative—is in the most critical demand.
To encourage donations, Vitalant is highlighting several initiatives:
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Donor Eligibility & Process: Donors are generally eligible to give blood every eight to 16 weeks. The process requires a photo ID, a 10-to-15-minute health questionnaire, and approximately seven to 10 minutes for the blood draw itself. First-time donors also receive blood type testing.
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Rewards & Incentives: Throughout August, donors using a promo code can receive a $15 gift card through the Vitalant Donor Rewards program, usable at merchants such as Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Domino’s. Donors are also entered into a giveaway for a vehicle valued up to $30,000 or $35,000 at a dealership of their choice.
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Nonprofit Giveback Program: In North Dakota, Vitalant offers a giveback program where sports teams, youth clubs, fraternities, sororities, and churches can host blood drives and earn $10 per donor for their organization.
Vitalant is hosting several local drives, including events at Bully Brew Coffee and the Center for Plastic Surgery in Fargo, a donor party in Mandan, and upcoming drives in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, as well as NDSU and the Vogel Law Firm.
Residents interested in scheduling an appointment or hosting a drive can visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825.
