Local blood donors can take advantage of several donation opportunities in May in honor of mothers and in support of all patients relying on life-saving transfusions.

Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is taking appointments for blood, platelets or plasma, and as a token of thanks, all who come to give May 1 through May 25 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card. Those who donate from May 26 to June 1 will receive a Vitalant ball cap, via email redemption.

Nationwide, more than 200 blood drives continue to be canceled each week because of the pandemic, including about 40 a week in the region including North Dakota, according to Vitalant. However, the need for blood has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

There is an urgent need for donors to help new mothers experiencing childbirth complications, grandmothers battling cancer, sisters with chronic blood disorders and other patients. Those who receive a Food and Drug Administration-authorized COVID-19 vaccine can give blood immediately if other eligibility requirements are met.

One North Dakota mom is especially grateful for blood donors. When a tumor threatened Elenora’s life while still in her mother’s womb, doctors had to perform lifesaving measures, including a blood transfusion, while still in utero. Thanks to blood donors, her mom, Roberta, safely carried her to term. Elenora’s now a happy, healthy little girl.

“Donating blood has always been really important to us and we’ve seen through our family how incredible of a gift it can be,” Roberta said. “Having someone save your child’s life before she’s even born is a particularly incredible gift.”

“Trauma and accident victims, cancer patients and those now undergoing previously postponed surgeries may all need blood,” Vitalant Mountain Division Vice President Anne Burtchaell said. “There is an increased need for blood donations as life begins to return to normal for some. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially type O–the most transfused blood type.”

To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Vitalant follows strict protocols to ensure the safety of donors, patients and staff, including social distancing, disinfecting public areas and requiring face masks.

Upcoming blood drives include:

– May 10, 1 to 6 p.m., Surrey High School Multi-Purpose Room, Surrey.

– May 13, noon to 3 p.m., Keller Williams Bus, 12 S. Main, Suite 1, Minot.

– May 13, 2:30 to 6 p.m., St. John the Apostle Church, 2600 W. Central Ave., Minot.

– May 17, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minot YMCA Gym, 3515 16th St. SW, Minot.

– May 18, 1 to 6 p.m., KC, St. Leo’s Church basement, 218 1st. St. SE, Minot.

– May 20, noon to 3 p.m., Ryan Honda showroom, 3701 S. Broadway, Minot.

– May 24 through May 27, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Battle of the Badges, Sleep Inn Convention Center, Dakota Square, Minot.