Blood inventory low going into Memorial weekend; Carson City drives Tuesday and Saturday
Due to extremely high usage throughout the region and other factors, the Reno and Carson City area blood supply is currently below ideal levels approaching Memorial Day weekend. All blood types are needed, but local inventory for Blood Type O negative has been hovering at or below a one-day supply, while Vitalant strives to keep a four-day supply of all blood types ready.
To meet patient needs, the Carson City and communities are especially encouraged to donate blood this week as Vitalant aims to collect more than 900 donations leading into Memorial Day.
There's a blood drive Tuesday at Casino Fandango and Saturday at Galaxy Theater in Carson City. Go here for information.
“Holiday weekends such as Memorial Day weekend typically see a spike in blood usage due to several reasons such as increased travel, leading to a higher rate of traumatic injuries,” said Scott Edward, senior donor recruitment manager at Vitalant. “O negative blood type is currently in highest demand. As the universal blood type, O negative blood type can help any patient, and is especially critical during emergencies when blood must be readily available to save lives quickly.”
Platelet donations are also especially needed now. Platelets help patients enduring cancer treatments, organ recipients, those with traumatic injuries and more.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments are recommended and can be made through Vitalant.org or 877-25VITAL. Vitalant donation centers in Carson City, Reno and Sparks will host special operating hours during Memorial Day Weekend from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As a special thank you, May blood donors will receive a $10 Fandango movie pass. Additionally, from May 20-27 donors can score a limited-edition ‘I Bleed Silver & Blue’ T-shirt, while supplies last.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors ages 16 – 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Visit Vitalant.org for more information.
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