Running low: Arizona blood bank supply hitting critical levels

PHOENIX — Things are drying up at blood banks across Arizona.

Sue Thew with United Blood Services estimated the state only had two days’ worth of blood as of Wednesday.

Thew said there are several reasons behind the shortage, namely an annual dip in donations around the Memorial Day holiday and the popularity of Mexico as a vacation destination for Arizonans.

Because of the threat of the Zika virus, those who have traveled to Mexico are not allowed to donate for a certain amount of time.

“Anybody who has traveled to Mexico in the past 28 days cannot give blood,” Thew said.

Thew said banks are especially in need of Type O blood, which can be used to stabilize virtually every patient. However, Thew said no eligible donor will be turned away.

To make a donation appointment, go to BloodHero.com.

KTAR’s Kathy Cline contributed to this report.

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