LifeShare changes name to Vitalant

Blood Systems announced Sept. 24 its 10 blood center brands, including LifeShare Community Blood Services, will unite as one cohesive brand under the new name Vitalant, according to a news release.

This includes the two Lorain County LifeShare locations in Lorain and Elyria.

As one of the nation’s oldest and largest comprehensive transfusion medicine organizations, Vitalant’s 127 nationwide donation centers and 30,000 mobile blood drives welcome more than 780,000 donors who supply 1.8 million donations per year, the release said.

Currently, Vitalant serves local communities across 40 states.

“Our organization has grown to encompass blood donation centers and specialty services from coast to coast,” said Vitalant President and CEO, Dave Green. “As transfusion medicine leaders, we embrace this opportunity to combine our innovative capabilities.

“We invite the public to join us in generating more vital donations to transform even more lives in communities across the United States.”

Unifying the combined capabilities and national presence of the organization’s many brands, Vitalant brings together the benefits of a cohesive centralized support structure and enhanced research opportunities to advance transfusion care and reach people most in need, the release said.

It also reflects a commitment to donors to ensure a consistent and seamless experience across all centers and blood drives.

Vitalant’s national headquarters is in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“For 70 years, we have steadfastly partnered with this community to provide a safe and adequate blood supply for patients across northeast Ohio,” said Debbie Bonzak, executive director of Vitalant operations in Ohio. “Our employees, faithful donors and friends of our mission are committed to the promise of tomorrow for those in need of blood transfusions. Though our name is changing, our passion for what we do remains as strong as ever.”

Vitalant supports nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care entities throughout the United States, impacting millions of lives.

In addition to blood products, Vitalant offers hospital partners transfusion services, medical consulting, quality guidance, ongoing education, research and more.

There is a constant need for blood – in fact, nearly 5,000 blood donations are needed each day to meet the needs of people throughout the country, the release said.

At least 110 donations are needed each day to meet the needs of people throughout Northeast Ohio, according to the release.

Statistics show that nearly 60 percent of blood donations come from people older than 40, and nearly 45 percent come from people older than 50, the release said.

Vitalant looks to inspire the next generation of blood donors, while building lasting relationships with people of all ages.

“Vitalant’s purpose is to help people realize their life-transforming potential,” said Dr. Ron Waeckerlin, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “A name change does not change our commitment to the communities we serve in Northeast Ohio or the people who count on us.”