Vitalant Blood Center: In need of more Heroes

Photos and Writing by Tim Lamb

For Vitalant Blood Center in Spokane, WA, nothing is more crucial than volunteers willing to give blood. There are 8 blood types in humans, and when someone is in crisis, donated blood that corresponds to their type can be lifesaving. I have been giving blood for 3 years and in that time, I’ve found the holiday season is slow for the blood center, despite a need for blood year-round to save lives. The following photos show Vitalant during Thanksgiving weekend, a time when few donors come in, but facility workers do what they can to schedule appointments and make time spent at the blood center enjoyable. The work they do is important, and each of them gives their full effort to make the center feel friendly and to remind donors that they are helping people in need by donating.

Vitalant’s parking lot, largely empty during Thanksgiving weekend.

A sign found inside the blood center, reminding people of the importance of their contributions.

An empty chair where blood draws occur, often empty.

An unfinished jigsaw puzzle in the recovery area.

A handout distributed in the center, showing how common blood types are in America.

Phlebotomists conduct work in the facility, supervising stations and keeping track of data.

Stations at the blood center feature pillows, blankets, and reclined chairs for comfort next to blood draw machines. They often go unused.

Blood bags wired to machines for donators. They’re be used to save lives when full.

The ceiling of the blood center features some decorated panels, from children whose lives were saved thanks to blood donations.

A slogan etched into pavement by the facility entrance, reminding donors of their heroism.