Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant encourages all eligible donors to help meet the urgent patient need for blood donations, especially during February, which is Heart Health Month.

While donors of every blood type are urgently needed, supplies of type-O are critically low, according to Vitalant. O-negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient when there’s no time to match. O-positive is the most in-demand and transfused blood type.

Platelet donations are also critically needed every day. About 50% of platelet donations go to help cancer patients.

Consider that every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets, and approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

Also, Vitalant donors could win one of 24 $500 gift cards when you donate now through Saturday, Feb. 10.

Vitalant donors also receive a free mini-physical checking their pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol level. With each donation, donors can help save more than one life and track their wellness information in their secure and confidential online portal account.

Visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) to make a blood donation appointment.

Goodyear has a Vitalant donor center at 14270 W. Indian School Road.

Goodyear drives include:

• 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11: St. John Vianney Parish,539 E. La Pasada Blvd.
• 7-11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22: Abrazo West Campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road
• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24: Community of Estrella at Starpointe Residents Club, 17665 W. Elliot Drive
• 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29: City of Goodyear, 1900 N. Civic Square