Vitalant - Pennsylvania & Ohio

08/08/2026

We need you.

There's a critical blood shortage of type O. Blood donors of all types are needed to ensure patients relying on transfusions are supported.

As thanks, all who give blood in August and book using code AUGUST15-2026-V will receive a $15 Donor Rewards gift card in appreciation (opt-in req.). Learn more and sign up: vitalant.org/AugDonorGift

08/07/2026

The need for more blood donations is being felt nationwide. Hosting a blood drive is one more way to help.

For Alicia, blood donation is personal.

After watching her great aunt battle acute myeloid leukemia, Alicia saw firsthand how life-changing blood transfusions can be. One conversation has stayed with her ever since:

"I'm really proud of you for donating blood even though you were scared to."

Today, Alicia is a longtime donor, Vital Elite member, and newly appointed Vitalant Blood Donor Coordinator. She recently organized her first community blood drive at her church in Swissvale, PA, helping support patients during a critical blood shortage.

Next year, she'll continue honoring her great aunt by leading more blood drives and participating in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride to support blood cancer patients and their families.

Thank you, Alicia, for turning inspiration into action and encouraging others to give the gift of life.

Interested in hosting a blood drive to support hospitals and patients in need? Learn more at vitalant.org/BloodDrive.

08/06/2026

A blood drive can make all the difference.

Frank G. “Jerry” Garrison Jr. has faced an incredible journey with Multiple Myeloma, a serious fungal infection, and Aplastic Anemia. Throughout that journey, blood donations provided critical support, comfort, and hope for Jerry and his loved ones during some of the most challenging times.

Every blood drive helps ensure that patients facing serious illnesses have access to the lifesaving blood products they need. When individuals, organizations, businesses, and community groups host blood drives, they create opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors in a truly meaningful way.

One blood drive. Countless lives touched.

Jerry’s need for blood inspired friends and family to organize a blood drive in his honor. Today, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference blood donors make every day for patients and families navigating serious health challenges.

You can help patients in need by donating at a location nearest you: vitalant.org.

08/05/2026

Two donors. Two stories. One shared belief: every patient deserves access to the blood they need. ❤️

For Myriam and Sarah, blood donation is about more than giving time. It’s about helping strengthen a blood supply that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Blood type is inherited, and for some patients who rely on regular transfusions, including those living with conditions like sickle cell disease, finding a closely matched donor can be critical. A more diverse group of blood donors helps improve the chances that patients can receive the best possible match when they need it.

During National Minority Donor Awareness Month, we’re celebrating donors like Myriam and Sarah and encouraging more people from every background to join them.

Have you donated blood? Share what inspired you to give. ❤️

Schedule your appointment at vitalant.org

08/04/2026

🎉 32 years of making a difference!

Every blood donation has a story behind it, and Cheryl has helped make thousands of those stories possible.

This year marks 32 years with Vitalant for Cheryl, Donor Care Supervisor at the Vitalant Donation Center in Cranberry, PA, a center she helped open more than 20 years ago.

Cheryl says she spends most of her days "assisting heroes" because that's exactly how she sees blood donors. Their selfless gifts help save lives and support patients they will likely never meet.

Whether she's calming a nervous first-time donor, celebrating her team's successes, or recognizing the dedication of colleagues like Tory, Cheryl leads with compassion, experience, and gratitude.

Reflecting on her career, Cheryl says her time with Vitalant has been an amazing experience, made even more meaningful by the people and donors she's met along the way.

Thank you, Cheryl and Tory, for your dedication to helping save lives every day. 🩸❤️

Visit vitalant.org to find a blood drive or donation center near you and meet more of the incredible Vitalant team members who make lifesaving donations possible.

08/03/2026

Meet Mike, the new Executive Director of Vitalant’s Pittsburgh region!

Mike brings more than 30 years of blood industry experience, with expertise spanning operations, donor recruitment, donor care, strategic planning, and quality assurance across four blood centers.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the lifesaving mission of blood donation and a passion for serving the communities that rely on a safe and dependable blood supply.

"I am excited to lead and support the Pittsburgh team and look forward to building strong relationships throughout the region," said Mike.

In his new role, Mike is focused on growing blood collections, strengthening community partnerships, engaging new sponsors, and advancing Vitalant’s mission to help patients in need.

Please join us in welcoming Mike to the team and to Pittsburgh! 🎉

08/03/2026

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires across Washington state, including members of the Vitalant team who have been displaced in Spokane and the surrounding area.

Even during this difficult time, Vitalant continues collecting and delivering blood to hospitals serving patients in the region. As a national network, we’re able to move blood donations from unaffected areas to help support communities where they’re needed most.

If you’re in an area unaffected by the wildfires, the best way to help is by scheduling a donation appointment in the days and weeks ahead. Appointments help ensure a steady blood supply for patients while allowing us to quickly communicate with donors if schedules need to change because of wildfire conditions.

Thank you to every donor, volunteer and team member helping care for our communities during this challenging time.

07/31/2026

07/30/2026

These co-workers—and besties—give back together! ❤️

Emily, an Environmental Justice Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), organized a recent Vitalant blood drive at her place of work for her co-workers.

As a former wilderness trauma first responder, she understands just how critical blood donation is, especially during the summer months when donations often dip due to vacations and school breaks. ☀️

Her friend Erin, a clerical assistant at DEP, has been donating since college, including plasma. She wants first-time donors to know: it’s not as scary as you might think.

Erin once had a strong fear of needles, but she overcame it to help others through blood donation. As an O+ donor, she knows her blood type plays an important role in helping patients in need.

In honor of International Day of Friendship and every day you share with those you love, grab your bestie and schedule a time to donate together. Learn more and get started: vitalant.org/ReferAFriend.

07/29/2026

Every day, people across Vitalant find new ways to strengthen our mission through innovative thinking, compassionate leadership and an unwavering commitment to others.

Vitalant recently celebrated those extraordinary contributions during the 2026 Employee Excellence Awards, recognizing team members whose impact reaches far beyond their own roles and helps advance lifesaving care for the communities we serve.

Congratulations to our award honorees from the Pittsburgh region!

💜 Angela Verdoni (Coagulation Lab) received the Spirit of Innovation Award, recognizing employees who challenge convention, turn bold ideas into meaningful solutions and help move our organization forward.

💜 Jolene Dourlain (Transfusion Services) received the Heart of Vitalant Award, celebrating individuals who lead with compassion, integrity and purpose while inspiring those around them.

💜Debra Shook (Donor Care) was recognized with a special award for 50 years of service to Vitalant.

Their achievements remind us that every improvement, every act of compassion and every commitment to excellence helps advance our mission and makes a meaningful difference for the patients who depend on lifesaving blood donations.