BOZEMAN – February is American Heart Month across the country — a time for raising awareness about heart disease.
It’s also a time that many people give blood, and in Bozeman, blood that is donated here stays in the community.
Vitalant, formerly known as United Blood Services, ensures any blood that is donated in Gallatin County stays in Gallatin County.
“We are the exclusive blood provider for Bozeman Deaconess Health, which means that anytime you donate through us, you are taking care of your hospital,” said Vitalant Senior Recruiter Joshua Randall.
After being diagnosed with lupus and having a massive heart attack, McKenzie Markovich had many blood transfusions and said she’s thankful to be a part of a special community that continues to give blood.
“It’s another chance for life, and when people ask about blood donation I say you’re not just saving a life, you’re impacting many lives because it truly impacted my family’s life and my friends’ lives,” Markovich said.
“We actually transfuse 100 units per month. So when you think about that, each donation is one unit, so making sure that we’re keeping our blood donations up and making sure people are donating is what makes sure our hospital has blood on hand,” Bozeman Health Laboratory Marketing Representative Micah Kroening said.
Bozeman Deaconess hosts several blood drives throughout the year. For more information, click here.
Reporting by Emma Hamilton for MTN News
