SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Nonprofit Vitalant is urging all eligible volunteer blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by giving blood this July. Donations in early July are typically among the lowest of the year but patients’ needs don’t take a vacation. Accidents happen. Cancers are diagnosed. Childbirth complications occur.

 Those who need regular blood transfusions such as those with sickle cell disease or with immune deficiency disorders continue to need lifesaving support. It cannot happen without blood donors. Please donate soon and donate regularly. There is no artificial substitute for blood and patients in the Sacramento region and beyond rely on blood donors.

 Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type.

 As a special thanks for donating, July 8 through 27, donors will be automatically entered into Vitalant’s Summer Car Giveaway of a vehicle valued up to $30,000.  Learn more at Vitalant.org/cargiveaway.

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

 Upcoming Blood Drives Open to the Public

 Visit vitalant.org to schedule your appointment. Enter the zip code or Blood Drive code in the search box or schedule at another mobile blood drive or regional Vitalant donation center. Thank you!

 Saturday, July 20

The Club at Natomas Park
Bloodmobile
2101 Club Center Dr.
Sacramento
9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Blood Drive Code: SMFB877

 Sunday, July 21

Sikh Gurdwara Hughson Sahib Sih Temple
1930 Sikh Temple St
Stockton
12 to 4 p.m.
Blood Drive Code: 100560254

 Wednesday, July 24

Mount Vernon Memorial Park
Bloodmobile
8201 Greenback Lane
Fair Oaks
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Blood Drive Code: 10053312

 Thursday, July 25

California Department of Justice
1300 I St.
Sacramento
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Blood Drive Code: 100559853