Who we are

Vitalant stands on the front lines of medical emergencies every day, ensuring hospitals have lifesaving blood when seconds can determine who lives and who does not.

Each year, about 600,000 Vitalant blood donors support 900 healthcare facilities across 33 states, yet the donor base is fragile. 3% of Americans donate, even through every 2 seconds, any of us will need blood. The Vitalant Foundation exists to close that gap by funding innovation, research, and readiness, so blood is available before a crisis becomes a tragedy.

By investing in lifesaving solutions today, every drop and every dollar can mean the difference between life and loss when the unexpected happens. We need your financial support to continue our lifesaving impact.

To connect with a Vitalant team member, please reach out to Foundation@Vitalant.org.

Vitalant Foundation History

Vitalant Foundation, formerly known as Blood Science Foundation, was incorporated as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in 1987. The Institute for Transfusion Medicine (ITxM) was also the parent company of Central Blood Bank and Lifesource serving the Pittsburgh and Chicago regions respectively with blood collection, testing, and distribution services before ITxM merged into Vitalant in 2017. From 2008 to 2016, the Foundation granted contributions to tax-exempt organizations totaling approximately $25 million.

In 2017, Blood Science Foundation became an independent charity following the merger of ITxM with Blood Systems, Inc. In 2018, Blood Systems, Inc. was renamed Vitalant.

Our Staff

Katie Cobb

President,
Vitalant Foundation
kcobb@vitalant.org
480.675.4243

Katie Cobb joined Vitalant in 2024 and oversees fundraising and philanthropic activities. Leading a national team of fundraisers, financial contributions support the safety and sufficiency of the blood supply, development of novel biotherapies and specialized laboratory services, and cutting-edge research. Before joining Vitalant, Cobb was president of the Barrow Neurological Foundation and held executive leadership positions at Great Hearts Academies and the Phoenix Symphony, among others. She was named one of Arizona’s 50 Highest Ranking Women in Business by The Arizona Republic and 48 Intriguing Women of Arizona by the Arizona Historical Society. She is also past board chair of Xavier College Preparatory and currently serves on the Catholic Charities of Arizona board. Cobb received her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and graduated from The Women's Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School and Executive Education Program for Nonprofit Leaders at Stanford University.