Blood

Giving blood for Giving Hearts Day

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In celebration of Giving Hearts Day, the American Red Cross serving Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota hosted a blood drive. Up to 40 people gave blood throughout the day. The Red Cross says every two seconds a person needs blood in the region. Every donation received is able to help as many as three people….

Klobuchar and medical leaders share ideas to end blood shortage

UNITED STATES (KVRR) – The Red Cross is looking to address a blood shortage that’s the worst the organization has seen in a decade. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and medical professionals from across the country addressed their concerns of a lack of donations and staff shortages in hospitals. Leaders are worried emergency blood will not be available for patients in…

Regional Blood Supply is Plummeting, Vitalant Urges People to Donate

"When you donate, you are saving a life."

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Red River Valley is experiencing a critical blood and platelet shortage. Vitalant is urging all eligible donors to make an appointment as soon as possible. “We have got a skyrocket of usage and we don’t have enough donors. We typically know how blood donations need to be used throughout the year, but with this pandemic,…

Vitalant Launching New Program To Treat COVID-19 Patients Using Plasma

Although trials for a vaccine are underway, it is expected to be many months before one is approved.

FARGO, N.D. –Vitalant is launching a new program to treat COVID-19 patients. The program uses the blood plasma donated by people who have recovered from the disease. It’s called “convalescent plasma”, it provides antibodies that can give patients an extra boost in fighting the virus. It is currently the only antibody treatment available to COVID-19 patients Currently, there are no…

Healthy Blood Donors Needed for Hospital Patients Amid Coronavirus Concerns

The blood collection process is safe and has no impact on the donor's immune system.

FARGO, N.D.–Vitalant and other blood centers nationwide are encouraging healthy individuals to donate blood to ensure hospitals have enough in case COVID-19 infections increase. All blood types and components are needed especially platelets and type O blood. Platelets only have a shelf life of five days so frequent donations are important, and type O blood is the universal blood type….

Shocking Carnage After Two Mass Shootings In One Weekend

Dozens Killed In El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio

Two mass shootings at crowded public places in Texas and Ohio in less than 24 hours claimed at least 29 lives and left scores injured, a shocking carnage even in a country accustomed to gun violence. In the Texas border city of El Paso, a gunman opened fire Saturday morning in a shopping area packed with thousands of people during…

Fargo Man Makes His 401st Blood Donation

75–year–old Gerry Hamm has been donating blood and platelets since he was in his 20's

FARGO, N.D.– A Fargo man has a history of giving. He’s been donating blood for the last 50 years. 75–year–old Gerry Hamm has been donating blood and platelets since he was in his 20’s. “When I see stories about people that are where they are because they’ve gotten blood donations, it just reinforces to me that’s the thing that I should…