The next blood drive at Wickenburg Community Hospital is taking place on Tuesday, August 16 from 8 am to 2 pm in the Activity Room.
On June 7, state blood supplies fell to 42% below required levels, forcing United Blood Services/Arizona to issue a critical appeal for blood donors of all types.
The severe shortage was caused by four factors:
- Patient transfusion rates surged 13% above normal levels.
- Travel to Zika impacted countries prevented an estimated 2% of potential donors from giving blood.
- Summer recess of high school and college blood drives reduced blood supplies by an average of 2,500 donations per month (teens provide 10% of Arizona’s blood supply).
- Donations plummeted by approximately 25% during the Memorial holiday week due to a vacationing donor population.
The public has responded to the need however donations have averaged just 5% above normal levels since June 7, which has not yet replenished supplies to required levels.
To set your donation appointment please call Diane Hilton at 928-231-4160 and thank you for your continued support.
(photo courtesy of United Blood Services)