Vitalant is joining forces with Sonoma Raceway to put a non-traditional spin on blood drives by giving donors a chance to get their hearts pumping with a high-speed "hot lap" around the road course prior to donating blood. Donors will ride along with a professional driving instructor in a KTM X-BOW around the 12-turn road course.
Urgent need for donors of all types
Vitalant is experiencing one of the most challenging times to collect blood compared with previous years. Obstacles related to COVID along with an increase in hospital need is putting a strain on the region’s blood supply. All blood types are needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative is what emergency room personnel reach for when there is not time to determine a patient’s blood type.
Vitalant High-Speed Blood Drive
Friday, October 1, 2021
9:15 AM – 1:15 PM
29355 Arnold Dr. Sonoma, CA 95476
To make an appointment visit vitalant.org and click donate. Search by zip code: 95476 or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
“We require about 500 volunteer blood donors every day to help local patients in need of transfusions and not enough people are giving blood,” said Fred McFadden, Vitalant Regional Director. “Having Sonoma Raceway’s continued support holding this blood drive motivates people to give and is crucial to helping countless lives in our community and we are grateful.”
This year’s Sonoma Raceway High-Speed Blood Drive hopes to see over 75 donors give. “We are thrilled to work with Vitalant to support such an important effort,” said Jill Gregory, Sonoma Raceway EVP and General Manager. “Hopefully the chance to take a lap at our amazing facility will encourage fans to give blood and fulfill this crucial need in our community.”
Safety precautions while giving
There is no waiting period to donate after being vaccinated for COVID-19 or the seasonal flu shot. To support a safe environment and most efficiently follow the latest CDC guidance, masks are required for all donors, staff, volunteers and guests at Vitalant blood drives and facilities regardless of vaccination status.
All donors must be at least 16 years old (16 and 17-year old need a Minor Donor Permit signed by parent/guardian) and bring a valid photo ID.
Initial blood typing for first-time donors
First-time donors with Vitalant can now get a glimpse at their blood type immediately when they donate.
About Vitalant
Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit blood services provider exclusively focused on providing lifesaving blood and comprehensive transfusion medicine services for about 900 hospitals and their patients across the U.S. Every day, Vitalant needs to collect about 5,300 blood, platelet and plasma donations to help save lives. For more information and to schedule a donation appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
