ARIZONA NEWS

With blood supplies running low, Vitalant seeks donors for Valley drive

Jun 30, 2023, 1:00 PM

Vitalant, Arizona's largest nonprofit community blood provider, is seeking hundreds of donors for t...

(Vitalant Photo)

(Vitalant Photo)

PHOENIX — Facing a critical shortage, Arizona’s largest nonprofit community blood provider is seeking hundreds of donors to build supplies over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Vitalant is holding the Saving Arizona Blood Drive from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Tempe Center for the Arts.

The provider said Arizona blood use is expected to outpace donations by more than 1,500 pints from July 1 to July 7.

“Right now, blood supply is critically low. We have about a two-day supply of several blood types,” Vitalant spokeswoman Sue Thew told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

About 400 of the 650 Saving Arizona Blood Drive slots remained unfilled, Thew said.

Why is donating blood important?

Vitalant provides blood for every hospital in metro Phoenix.

“If you, a loved one or a friend is injured in an accident over the long holiday week, it’s Vitalant that would be the one supplying those blood transfusion needs for your loved one,” Thew said.

It’s crucial for blood supplies to be on the shelf and ready for use when emergencies happen.

“If you wait until someone you know is in a hospital bed needing a life-saving transfusion, a blood donation that day won’t do them any good. It needs to already be there and already be available,” Thew said.

How can you donate at Saving Arizona Blood Drive?

Vitalant has a landing page with a sign-up link and all the details about Sunday’s event.

“We do recommend appointments to make it easy for people to get in and out quickly,” Thew said. “Donors of all blood types are needed, especially Type O, the universal blood donor that helps patients who have emergencies and traumas.”

Vitalant is offering several enticements, including a voucher for a free Whataburger and a complementary lunchbox-sized cooler for every donor. (The coolers will be mailed out after the event.)

A chance to win an SUV is also up for grabs.

“One lucky Saving Arizona Blood donor on Sunday will be drawn as one of the 10 finalists for a 2023 Volkswagen Taos that’s been donated by the Valley Volkswagen dealers to encourage people to give blood. That’s probably the best odds that someone will ever have for winning a car,” Thew said.

“We’re just trying to do everything we can to let people know how much we appreciate that they come out and donate blood.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Karrin Taylor Robson...

KTAR.com

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

28 minutes ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday morning.

55 minutes ago

A Scottsdale estate with a Jordan shoe display and a full basketball gym was listed for $23.5 milli...

Kevin Stone

Furnished Scottsdale estate with basketball gym, Jordan sneaker display listed for $23.5M

A basketball lover’s dream home is on the market in north Scottsdale, but you better have plenty of space under your salary cap if you want to buy it.

3 hours ago

Uranium mining...

Kevin Stone

Arizona GOP leader wants Trump administration to remove uranium mining restrictions

Arizona's Republican Senate president is hoping the Trump administration will undo actions by former presidents that curtail uranium mining in the state.

3 hours ago

56 trees growing into power lines to be removed in 2 cities...

Serena O'Sullivan

SRP to remove 56 trees growing too close to power lines in Chandler, Apache Junction

The Salt River Project (SRP) is teaming up with the cities of Chandler and Apache Junction to remove 56 trees growing into power lines.

3 hours ago

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approv...

David Veenstra

2 state employees convicted of receiving bribes

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

With blood supplies running low, Vitalant seeks donors for Valley drive