Blood donors are needed every day for patients who need transfusions for planned medical treatments and emergencies.

During National Trauma Awareness Month in May, nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant asks all who are eligible to give and make sure blood is available for even the most unexpected events.

Alyssa Chase had a fierce passion for exploring the outdoors until a motorcycle crash caused multiple traumatic injuries and broken bones. She received six units of blood to help her to survive.

“I still travel often and hike when I can. I’m not as active as I used to be, but I try to live my life without fear, and still be careful about my health,” Chase said. “The accident changed my life, but thanks to blood donors, I’m still here today.”

Donors of every blood type play a critical role in helping patients. Type O donations are especially needed as that is the most transfused blood type.

As a special thank you to donors in May, all who give with Vitalant will automatically be entered to win one of two “Epic” vacation packages, including four tickets to Universal Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, travel vouchers for airfare and hotel accommodations, and a $2,500 prepaid gift card.

Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Vitalant is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission.

Learn more at vitalant.org.