Blood Donors Desperately Needed in Arizona Amid Shortage

Hundreds of blood donors in Arizona are needed to help address a critical shortage of blood.

Vitalant, a nonprofit that collects blood for hospitals, said Friday that blood drives canceled because of the pandemic has continued to leave blood supplies low.

The company said that they were 4,000 donations short in May. Type-O blood is especially in need, Vitalant said. The organization said it has a two-day supply of Type O blood, the universal blood for emergencies and traumas, for 62 Arizona hospitals. According to the nonprofit, most blood types have less than a four-day supply at their centers.

Sid Lewis, a director of donor recruitment with Vitalant, said regular blood donors go on vacation in the summer and heavy traffic on roads and highways increases the potential for accidents and the need for blood.

The organization is urging eligible donors to make an appointment at one of their seven Valley locations or daily blood drives.

Vitalant says new donors can schedule an appointment to donate at donor.vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). First-time donors can also get a glimpse of their blood type when they donate with the Vitalant lab. Donors can also visit Vitalant donation locations or visit www.BloodHero.com.

Click here to make an appointment to donate

Blood Drives: Daily Valley Locations

• Chandler Donor Center: 1989 W. Elliot Rd., #33 (Elliot & Dobson)
• Glendale Donor Center: 18583 N. 59th Ave., #113 (59th Ave. & Union Hills)
• Goodyear Donor Center: 14270 W. Indian School Rd., #C-8 (Indian School & Litchfield)
• Mesa Donor Center: 1337 S. Gilbert Rd., #101 (Gilbert & Hampton)
• Phoenix Donor Center: 5757 N. Black Canyon Hwy. (Bethany Home Rd. & I-17)
• Scottsdale Donor Center: 15170 N. Hayden Rd., #6 (Hayden & 83rd Pl.)
• Tempe Donor Center: 1524 W. 14th St., #120 (14th St. & Priest)