Nation-wide blood shortage increases need for local hospitals

Due to the rising number of trauma cases, organ transplants, elective surgeries and cancer transfusions, the nation is in the midst of a severe blood shortage. The need for blood has risen by 10% in 2021, partially due to the increased demand caused by those who put off care during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Donating blood is a quick and easy way to make a significant impact on your community. Did you know that the majority of the blood donated here in the Flathead Valley ends up going to patients at our local hospitals? After being processed in Spokane, most of the blood is shipped back to the Flathead Valley and used to treat friends, families and neighbors right here at home. 

Another benefit of donating blood is that it can provide you with useful health information such as blood type, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels.

At Logan Health, our main blood partner is Vitalant Blood Donation, a nonprofit organization with a location in Evergreen. Both Logan Health Medical Center and North Valley Hospital regularly partner up with Vitalant to put on blood drives throughout the year. The next Logan Health sponsored blood drive is Wednesday, July 21 at the NVH Professional Office Building located at 711 13th Street East in Whitefish. To make an appointment, click here. 

You are also able to schedule an appointment directly with Vitalant to donate blood. For more information about making an appointment, determining if you are eligible or general donation facts, visit their website at vitlant.org