Vitalant Encourages Summer Blood Donations Across Northeast Ohio
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (July 9, 2026) – Vitalant is making it easier for area residents to give blood this summer by bringing donation opportunities closer to where they live and work.
The Canton-based blood collection agency operates blood drives daily across Northeast Ohio, including one that took place Wednesday with its mobile unit in the parking lot at the State Highway Patrol Post in New Philadelphia.
Blood Donor Technician Kylee Biddle says there’s usually enough time for people to donate on their lunch breaks. She says donors can typically complete the screening process in about 10 minutes, with the actual donation taking as little as five to seven minutes for a whole blood donation.
She says healthy donors can usually give blood once every eight weeks.
Biddle says donors are encouraged to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood.
Training Instructor Amber Kimmel says the need for blood is constant as a single whole blood donation can save up to three lives through the use of red cells, plasma and platelets.
All Vitalant blood donations stay local.
The blood drives often involve some sort of incentive to participate. Wednesday’s blood drive included a free Vitalant T-shirt for participating donors.
More information on upcoming blood drives can be found on Vitalant’s website and social media pages. Biddle says while appointments are preferred, walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
