Approaching Mother’s Day, Vitalant encourages blood donors to give in honor of mothers this May.

A Minnesota mom is urging the community to support blood donation following her need for life-saving blood. What began as a routine delivery quickly became a life-threatening emergency for Samantha as she prepared to welcome her fifth child. After being induced, she experienced a placental abruption and severe complications, leading to significant blood loss and an emergency C-section.

Her baby boy was delivered safely, but Samantha required multiple transfusions during and after surgery. The additional transfusions helped restore her strength, allowing her to hold and name her son and begin her recovery. Within days, Samantha was able to return home to her family.

An always-ready blood supply is vital to support moms in 1 in 83 deliveries, and for many more patients who are fighting cancer, undergoing heart or transplant surgeries or living with blood disorders, according to Vitalant. All blood types are constantly needed, especially type O and platelet donations.

Along with donating blood, making a financial gift to the Vitalant Foundation is another impactful way to help. For more information, call 877-25-VITAL(877-258-4825).

Local blood drives in May will be:

– May 5, Hoeven Elementary, Minot, 12:30-6 p.m.

– May 6, 200 Second St. SE, Surrey, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

– May 7, Bread of Life Church, Minot, 4-7 p.m.

– May 8, Minot Pink Ladies, 1919 N. Broadway, Minot, 2-5:30 p.m.

– May 8, Our Redeemer’s School, Minot, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

– May 14, Bethany Lutheran Church, MInot, 4-7 p.m.

– May 15, Berthold High School, Berthold, 1:15-5:15 p.m.

– May 18, 19, 20, 21, Battle of the Badges, The Grand, Minot, noon-6 p.m.

– May 27, BX Commissary Parking Lot, Minot Air Force Base, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.