Vitalant hosts blood drive at Exceptional Community Hospital ahead of its three-day blood drive at Yuma Palms

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The season of giving continues in Yuma as community members came together to participate in a local blood. Exceptional Community Hospital partnered with Vitalant to host the event, drawing approximately 20 local residents who volunteered to donate blood and help address ongoing shortages.

Blood drive coordinator Jeanne Foerster shared a personal reminder of the impact blood donations can have.

“I’m alive today because in June of 1963, somebody donated blood," she stated. "I was 21 months old. We need [donors] out here. Think of all the people who are gonna wind up having surgery, your cancer patients. The list can go on and on.”

In addition to this recent event, the third annual Yuma Holiday Heroes Blood Drive will take place from Saturday, December 27, through Monday, December 29. The drive will be held at the Yuma Palms Mall near Five Below, and all blood collected will go directly to Vitalant. Organizers stress the importance of holiday blood drives, as donations typically decline during this time of year while the demand for blood remains high.

Community members interested in participating or learning more about the blood drive can find additional details and register here.