Vitalant in need of blood donations amid wildfires, hurricanes

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Vitalant is asking for blood donations to help support hospitals in the areas affected by wildfires and hurricanes.

Many blood donation centers across the country were forced to cancel their blood drives due to these natural disasters.

Vitalant said it has already sent more than 500 units of blood to centers in the fire and flood zones.

The impact comes as the coronavirus takes its own toll on donations as well, but Vitalant said it's keeping its donation center doors open.

“Having the smoke and the air quality and the fire adds another part of a challenge for us right now," said Laura Kamada with Vitalant. "We are needing donors.”

If you would like to donate or find a donation center, click here.