As the community marks seven years since the 1 October tragedy, the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Downtown Summerlin, and Vitalant are hosting a blood drive on Tuesday. The event will be held at City National Arena, 1550 S. Pavilion Center Dr., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In memory of those lost and the brave responders, the drive aims to increase local blood supplies for emergencies, reflecting lessons learned from the tragedy.
Jovanna Calzadillas, who survived the Las Vegas shooting, shared with City News Vegas how crucial blood donations were for her survival. "I wouldn't be here with my family if I didn’t have the blood transfusions," she said. Her testament serves not only as a reminder of the trauma endured but as a beacon guiding the community towards tangible support through blood donation.
While walk-ins are welcome, the organizers urge potential donors to make appointments in advance to reduce wait times. This can be done through Vitalant's website. Vitalant is currently in dire need of Type-O donations, the universal blood type often used in emergencies, according to a News 3 LV report.
To thank donors for their life-saving contributions, Tuesday's blood drive will offer a 1 October Memorial Blood Drive Lifesavers T-shirt and a chance to win Vegas Golden Knights Championship banners. Donors will also be entered into a raffle for tickets to an upcoming Golden Knights game as a gesture of appreciation. These incentives honor the solemn history while promoting a resilient future through the act of giving.
