BILLINGS- Vitalant, the nation’s second largest blood service provider, is seeking more donations in Montana and elsewhere because of disruptions related to the bomb cyclone in the central United States.
Vitalant officials said in a Thursday news release that multiple donation center and blood drives in Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota have closed or canceled because of the storm, resulting in a loss of 1,000 donations.
The storm also caused transport problems to hospitals from the storm, known as Winter Storm Ulmer, according to Vitalant.
Donors can schedule appointments at www.vitalant.org or by calling 877-258-4825. Walk-in are always welcome at the Billings office at 1444 Grand Ave.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
Related: 70 million in the path of “bomb cyclone” bringing snow, hail and rain
Related: All but one of Billings flights to Denver canceled Wednesday for bomb cyclone storm
