December brings the Holiday Hero into full focus at United Blood Services when their blood donations normally drop over the holidays due to everyone’s busy schedules and travel plans.
“Our need for blood donations never takes a holiday, given we may actually need more blood than normal this holiday season,” said Steve Thomas, who is with United Blood Services of Reno.
With fewer people donating blood over the holidays, some parts of the country run the risk of having critical blood shortages. To make sure there’s a dependable blood supply locally, United Blood Services is asking all eligible blood donors to consider donating at either their Reno or Carson City Community Donation Centers Wednesday during its Holiday Hero event.
To make an appointment, go to www.BloodHero.com, or call 775-324-6454.
United Blood Services provides a free cholesterol screening with each donation. Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
“While the Holidays are upon us with a drop in blood donations anticipated this holiday season our hospital patients’ need for blood is as strong as ever,” said Thomas. “You can help to save a life by donating blood during our Holiday Hero Special Event this Wednesday. You will also receive a $10 Squeeze Inn voucher and a special holiday hero candle or Christmas tree ornament as United Blood Services way of saying thank you for your blood donation.”
United Blood Services of Reno is the sole blood products supplier to 20 hospitals in northern Nevada and they need approximately 125 blood donations every day to meet the increasing demand for their three principal blood products that are red blood cells, platelets and plasma.