Blood center urges summer donations

With the summer months coming up, United Blood Services (UBS) of Arizona will be holding their 9th annual campaign to inspire more people to give blood as a decline in donors is often seen during the hottest time of the year.

“During the summer months blood donations can decline by as much as 25 percent, especially during holiday weeks,” said Sue Thew, spokesperson with UBS Arizona. “In Arizona 500 blood donors are needed every day. O-negative is the universal blood donor and the most needed blood type.”

Four blood drives will be held throughout Yuma during the month of June. Those who donate blood for UBS from May 25 to September 7 will also be automatically entered to win a 2018 VW Tiguan 2.0 S.

According to the UBS news release, The Valley Volkswagen dealers have donated the car and partnered with UBS for the annual campaign to help motivate more people to donate blood this summer.

“The seven Valley Volkswagen Dealers genuinely believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and do business,” said Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen owner Dennis Lunde on behalf of the dealerships in a statement. “What better way is there than to support United Blood Services in their efforts to make sure there is an adequate blood supply for those in need?”

A total of ten finalists will be drawn to participate in the grand prize ceremony. Additionally, they will be unveiled throughout the summer on AZ-TV, a media partner of the “Summer Drive to Save Lives.”

During the three-month campaign, UBS hopes to attract nearly 50,000 blood donors to help save lives at Arizona hospitals. Thew noted that UBS are the sole supplier of blood components for patients at Yuma Regional Medical Center.

With the campaign, UBS also hopes to encourage people to donate more often this summer.

“While donors are generally eligible to give blood every eight weeks, the majority (65 percent) donate just once a year,” said Sid Lewis, Sr. Director of Donor Recruitment for United Blood Services Southwest Division in a statement.

To make a blood donation appointment, call 1-877-UBSHERO (827-4376) or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter your city or zip code).

Yuma Blood Drive locations:

• Wednesday, June 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., United Yuma Firefighters Assn, 1 City Plaza, City Hall Learning Center.

• Thursday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Yuma County Health Services District, 2200 W. 28th St., Auditorium.

• Friday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Yuma County Library Foothills Branch, 13226 E. S Frontage Road, Meeting Room.

• Saturday, June 9, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Yuma Regional Medical Ctr, 2400 S. Avenue A, Yuma Conference Room.