United Blood Services: All Blood Types Needed, but O-Negative is Always in Greatest Demand
Aug. 26, 2014 – Northern Arizona – United Blood Services and the Arizona Snowbowl are ramping up efforts to increase blood donations around the Labor Day holiday. Donate at any blood drive Aug. 29 – Sept. 5 in Flagstaff or Munds Park and receive a voucher for a ride on the Scenic Chairlift, courtesy of the Arizona Snowbowl! Blood donations typically decline by up to 25% during holiday weeks, but heavy traffic on the roads and highways increase the potential for accidents and the need for blood. Appointments are recommended. Call 1-877-UBS-HERO (1-877-827-4376) or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter your City or Zip Code – locations detailed below).
Nearly 500 donors of all blood types are needed every day in Arizona, but Type-O is always in greatest demand. Last week, United Blood Services issued an urgent public appeal for donors with Type-O, the universal blood that can be substituted for other types in emergencies. Caused by an increased patient demand across the nation, out-of-state resources for support have been exhausted. All donors with Type-O blood are urged to donate as soon as possible since it takes 24 to 36 hours to test and process blood before it can be released to a hospital.
O-positive, the most commonly transfused blood type . . . 37% of the population has O-positive blood, but 85% of patients can receive O-positive transfusions. O-positive makes up 42% of all red blood cell transfusions in Arizona.
O-negative, the universal blood donor . . . 6% of the population has O-negative blood, but 100% of patients can receive O-negative transfusions. O-negative makes up 12% of all red blood cell transfusions in Arizona.
Click here for a special message to O-negative blood donors from 13-year-old Dean, who was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare condition that prevents his body from producing red blood cells. He is alive today because of approximately 60 blood donors. “My son was severely anemic when he was born and needed a blood transfusion right away,” said his mom, Twila. “Dean is type O-negative, and we have waited several hours to get a transfusion that is a match for him,” Twila explained, “It is humbling to realize that my son’s life is dependent upon other people donating blood. Every blood donor is a true hero to Dean.”
Flagstaff & Munds Park Aug. 29 – Sept. 5 Blood Drives with Arizona Snowbowl Vouchers |
FlagstaffFri, Aug 29, 12pm-5pm, City of Flagstaff Parks & Recreation, 1702 N 4th St, Bloodmobile
Fri, Sep 5, 1pm-5pm, Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace Community Blood Drive, 5005 E Marketplace Dr, Bloodmobile Munds Park Sat, Aug 30, 9:30am-2pm, Pinewood Fire Department, 475 E Pinewood Blvd, Bloodmobile |
The Arizona Snowbowl was pleased to thank blood donors for saving lives around the Labor Day holiday. “It seems only fitting to offer a spectacular view of our state’s most amazing natural resources in appreciation for donating blood, life’s most precious resource,” said Jason Stratton, Director of Sales and Marketing for Arizona Snowbowl. More than 70 miles of breathtaking views can be seen from the Scenic Chairlift, including the Grand Canyon and downtown Flagstaff.
About United Blood Services
United Blood Services has been Arizona’s non-profit community blood provider since 1943 and serves patients in nearly 60 Arizona hospitals. The UBS network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Association of Blood Banks. For more information on how to Find the Hero in You, call 1-877-UBS-HERO (1-877-827-4376) toll-free or visit www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.
About the Scenic Chairlift at the Arizona Snowbowl
Located on the majestic San Francisco Peaks, the Arizona Snowbowl lies 14 miles outside of Flagstaff. The Scenic Chairlift at the Arizona Snowbowl is the easiest and best way to see Northern Arizona. It shuttles riders to an elevation of 11,500 feet for panoramic views atop this extinct volcano. The ride offers great opportunities for photography, viewing wildlife, hiking or just enjoying the peaceful ride up and down Arizona’s highest mountains. For more information about the Arizona Snowbowl and the Scenic Chairlift, call (928) 779-1951 or visit www.ArizonaSnowbowl.com.
Media Contacts
United Blood Services
Sue Thew
Marketing & Communications
(480) 675-5454 office
(602) 295-3281 cell
SThew@BloodSystems.org
Arizona Snowbowl
Jason Stratton
Director of Sales & Marketing
Arizona Snowbowl
(928) 779-1951 ext. 115
jstratton@arizonasnowbowl.com