Today in Tempe, a major effort to replenish the blood supply after the holidays is underway. The "Saving Arizona Blood Drive," a joint initiative between Vitalant, Arizona's Family, and local radio stations, focuses on a critical period for blood donations. According to AZFamily.com, there's an increased need for transfusions in January, hitting shortages hard, especially for Type-O blood, the universal type used in emergencies.
The drive, which is looking for donors of all blood types, kicked off at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Following the festive season that typically sees the lowest donation rates, Vitalant is seeking to boost stocks. Marking the lowest 10 days of the year, "Christmas through New Year’s Day" punctuates a season of scarcity for blood banks. This year, the nonprofit is giving back to those rolling up their sleeves; every donor today gets a free cheese pizza voucher from Streets of New York and a one-day pass to the WM Phoenix Open, as reported by AZFamily.com.
The drive not only serves an immediate need but also highlights the personal stories of those helped by past donations. Seven-year-old Braden, diagnosed with leukemia, and requiring over 30 transfusions, stands as a living testament to the life-sustaining power of blood donations. "Braden and his family are so thankful for all the heroes who donated blood and played a vital part in helping him to beat leukemia," says the promotion on Vitalant's website. Donors today are not only thanked with food and entertainment vouchers, but they also get the chance to win one of 24 $500 gift cards in the Vitalant donor rewards store.
The Tempe Center for the Arts is abuzz with activity from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. as volunteers line up to do their part. Sid Lewis, VP for Vitalant’s Southwest Division, noted an unfortunate but perhaps not surprising trend: "The winter holiday season reduces the number of people giving blood, but heavy traffic on the roads and highways increases the potential for accidents and the need for blood," he shared in a statement obtained by AZFamily.com. For those planning to attend, parking is available in the TCA parking garage, which can be accessed by making a left off of the main driveway. Appointments can be scheduled via Vitalant's dedicated drive page or by calling their hotline.
