LAS VEGAS – United Blood Services Nevada needs to collect more than 9,500 pints of blood and platelets before May 31 in order to ensure a steady and ample supply. As of May 14, we have collected 3,786 pints, 5,714 short of our ultimate goal. Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for the blood bank, when donations unfortunately decrease just as the demand increases. In an effort to keep a ready supply, United Blood Services is issuing a 9,500 Donations Summer Kick-off Challenge, where we’re thanking our donors with two tickets to see Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget at most community blood drives and all fixed site locations in Las Vegas and Henderson.
Here at the blood bank, the summer months mean one thing: we struggle to maintain an ample blood supply as students are not donating in school and families go on vacation without making a life-saving donation before they go. Our patients rely on us to have blood on the shelves when it is needed, and only you can make that happen. Please help us prepare for this busy holiday weekend and the summer months. If you are 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, you may be eligible to donate. Additional height and weight requirements apply for donors 22 and younger. For more information about donating, go to: www.unitedbloodservices.org.
Donations may be made at locations at our West Charleston, Northwest, and Green Valley centers or at community blood drives happening throughout the valley. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 702-233-9620 or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are encouraged, but not required.
About United Blood Services of Las Vegas
Founded in 1963, United Blood Services of Las Vegas, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization, provides blood and blood products for hospitals in Southern Nevada, California and Northern Arizona. Its programs exist to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research and embracing continuous quality improvement. The United Blood Services network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Association of Blood Banks. Nationally, United Blood Services serves more than 500 hospitals in 18 states, contributing to more than 25 million people. For more information, visit www.unitedbloodservices.org.