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Blood Donors Desperately Needed Due to Emergency Shortage

After 1 October, our city learned how crucial blood donations are, and Southern Nevada has found itself in another emergency shortage. Vitalant, a leading blood donation organization, is issuing a…

Vials of blood sit on a table as Oscar Platero doantes blood at Vitalant blood donation center.

Vials of blood sit on a table as Oscar Platero doantes blood at Vitalant blood donation center.

Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

After 1 October, our city learned how crucial blood donations are, and Southern Nevada has found itself in another emergency shortage. Vitalant, a leading blood donation organization, is issuing a heartfelt plea for individuals to step forward and donate.

Ongoing Seasonal Drop and Fourth of July Impact Lead to Critical Blood Supply Shortage

The combination of the ongoing seasonal decline in donations, exacerbated by the recent Fourth of July holiday, has resulted in a staggering drop of over 25% in the available supply, according to Fox 5. This shortage has left most blood types with less than a three-day reserve, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action.

"You Can Become a Lifeline..."

Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Vitalant, underlines the life-threatening consequences of insufficient blood supply, stating to 8 News Now, "When there is a lack of blood at critical moments, patient care can be significantly delayed, with potential life-threatening outcomes. By making an appointment today and donating tomorrow, next week, or even in the coming weeks, you can become a lifeline for those in need."

While all blood types are crucial, Vitalant emphasizes the heightened demand for Type O, which is the "universal donor," making this blood type very important when it comes to blood transfusions. By responding to this call for donations, individuals can make a direct and life-saving impact by replenishing the critically low blood supply and providing vital support to patients.

Join Vitalant in Their Mission

Vitalant reassures potential donors that appointments are readily available and encourages everyone to visit their website for more information. Your decision to donate can be the difference between life and death for someone in need. Join Vitalant in their urgent mission to restore a sustainable blood supply and ensure the well-being of countless patients.

If you're interesting in becoming a donor, we've listed the local locations below. Give it a look to determine which location works best for you.

Vitalant - West Charlestson

Located at 6930 W Charleston Blvd, this location is open 7 days a week. However, they have different hours throughout the week.

HOURS
Mon 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Tue 12:30 pm-7:30 pm
Wed 12:30 pm-7:30 pm
Thurs 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Sat 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Sun 7:00 am-3:00 pm

A phlebotomist collect vials of blood from an intravenous line from a patient who is donating blood at Vitalant blood donation center.

A phlebotomist collect vials of blood from an intravenous line from a patient who is donating blood at Vitalant blood donation center.

Vitalant - Las Vegas Northwest

Unlike the Charleston location, Vitalant Northwest is only open 5 days per week. They're closed on Sundays and Mondays.

4950 West Craig Road
Las Vegas, NV 89130

HOURS
Mon Closed
Tue 12:30 pm-7:30 pm
Wed 12:30 pm-7:30 pm
Thurs 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Sat 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Sun Closed

A man donates blood at Vitalant blood donation center

A man donates blood at Vitalant blood donation center.

Vitalant - Henderson

Located at 601 Whitney Ranch Drive, the Henderson office is also open 7 days per week. If you're interested in making a donation, below are the office hours.

HOURS
Mon 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Tue 12:30 pm-7:30 pm
Wed 12:30 pm-7:30 pm
Thurs 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Sat 7:00 am-3:00 pm
Sun 7:00 am-3:00 pm

Empty blood vials sit on a table at Vitalant blood donation center

Empty blood vials sit on a table at Vitalant blood donation center.

Ransom Garcia is the music director and afternoon host on 1079 Coyote Country. He’s been with the station since 2017, but he’s been on the Las Vegas airwaves since 2003. Although he's Vegas Born AND Raised, Ransom also has on-air duties on sister station Kiss 95.1 in Charlotte, NC. He is also set to be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September of 2024. Ransom writes articles about pop culture, human interests, technology, video games and anything affecting Las Vegas.