A worker with Vitalant prepares for the Hoboken community Vitalant blood drive held at Hoboken Rec Center on June 25, 2021 in Hoboken, New Jersey. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
A nationwide blood shortage has hit Arizona, prompting officials to announce the need for hundreds of donors in order to address the state’s critically low supply.
On Friday, officials of Vitalant, a non-profit which collects blood donations for hospitals and clinics statewide, said the COVID-19 pandemic caused a large number of blood drives to be cancelled. This in turn forced healthcare workers to tap into the state’s reserves.
Blood donors urgently needed July 3 for Saving Arizona blood drive @ TCA. The Independence holiday week is the lowest time of the summer for donations. All types needed, but type-O blood down to one-day supply for Arizona hospitals. Appointments: https://t.co/ce9QctfpW5 pic.twitter.com/2pHy6hIlFH
— Vitalant – Arizona (@VitalantAZ) June 29, 2021
The organization later added they only have a two-day supply of Type O blood for more than 60 hospitals throughout the Grand Canyon State. This comes as Vitalant is reportedly holding a massive blood drive in Tempe. They are reportedly offering both cash incentives and a car raffle to those who donate.
Donors are being asked to still wear a face mask if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Source: One America News Network
