(COLO) – Donations of blood see a sharp decline during winter months and the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated things further, canceling many blood donation events across our state and the nation. Whether an ongoing health condition, like cancer, or the need for a blood transfusion following a traumatic injury, the need for donations is much greater now as our nation is experiencing the worst blood shortage in more than a decade!
That is why the Colorado State Patrol is teaming up with Vitalant to hold a virtual blood drive throughout the month of February. How can you donate blood virtually?
It's simple!. Sign up to receive an email invitation to donate by visiting: northeast.vitalant.
When your email arrives, click “Schedule Now” and you get to pick the location and time that works best for you! There are nine locations to choose from, so you can find the closest. Bring your photo ID and remember to eat a healthy meal and drink water before donating!
By participating this way, the donation is recorded as part of this special Colorado State Patrol drive. Vitalant will test all successful donations for Covid-19 antibodies. A single donation has the ability to save up to three lives!
"Sometimes we take our health for granted, at least I know I have in the past," said Trooper Derrick Heller of the Colorado State Patrol. "Giving a blood donation doesn't seem very significant, but it absolutely is to the 5 MILLION people that would have likely died last year in the United States if there had not been blood available for their transfusion."
"The Colorado State Patrol is known for our life-saving efforts on the road, but this virtual blood drive is another way we can show Colorado how much we value them," said Sergeant Troy Kessler of the Colorado State Patrol. "We've observed first hand the number of people needing blood following serious crashes, so we know how important this cause is." You're courageous too! Please take the 30 minutes out of your day, schedule the appointment, and save a life. On behalf of the Colorado State Patrol, we thank you for your willingness to help in this life-saving cause.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.