NEVADA – Vitalant Blood Services is organizing a series of blood drives throughout the Tri-state area in July. It takes up to two and a half days for donated blood to be ready after processing and testing, and every two seconds someone in the US needs blood.

However, only 3% of the US population eligible to donate blood actually do. Blood supply must be replenished throughout the year as emergency surgeries, treatments for blood disorders, and cancer therapies that use blood cannot be put on hold for holidays.

The need for blood can increase during “trauma season” when outdoor activities lead to injuries.

Vitalant needs to collect nearly 5,000 platelets and 6,500 units of plasma donations daily to help save lives. All blood types and platelets are critically needed, especially type O.

Eligible donors who have received a COVID vaccine or booster shot, or have been symptom-free for 10 days after COVID-19, can donate blood. Donors can be as young as 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

The Food and Drug Administration recently changed eligibility requirements, allowing donors who had traveled to France, Ireland, or the United Kingdom to donate with Vitalant if they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Arizona donors through August 7 will be entered to win a 2023 VW Tiguan S. To schedule an appointment, download the Vitalant app or visit www.donors.vitalant.org.

People who are unable to donate can still support blood drives by volunteering, spreading the word, or hosting an event.

The local Vitalant region covers southern Nevada and northwest Arizona, and includes Laughlin, Kingman, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City.

Credits: Mohave Daily News

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