Vitalant exists to help people realize their life-transforming potential by offering convenient blood donation opportunities and sharing our expertise in transfusion medicine. Founded in 1943, Vitalant is one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit transfusion medicine organizations. We comprise a network of about 120 donation centers across the U.S., each with its own rich history and legacy. Vitalant is an internationally known and respected leader that continues to push the boundaries to advance the experience, practice and application of transfusion medicine.With our national footprint, deep community roots and specialized services, we are the thread that connects people and resources together to fuel progress in transfusion medicine. Our shared mission to save and improve the lives of others is our greatest strength. Vitalant provides blood and special services to patients in about 900 hospitals across the U.S. Millions of people in communities throughout these states depend on generous volunteer blood donors and our dedicated team to make sure lifesaving blood is available when and where it is needed. Vitalant is a founding member of AABB (a professional organization that provides standards development and accreditation for blood centers) and was a driving force in the creation of America's Blood Centers (a consortium of independent community blood centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Vitalant). Both organizations play a major role in communicating advances in transfusion medicine nationwide.