Exceptional Community Hospital blood drive

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Exceptional Community Hospital is teaming up with Vitalant to host an upcoming blood drive. They are calling on the Yuma community to help meet a constant and critical need.

Lisa Brazeel, Exceptional Community Hospital Community Liaison, says the demand for blood never goes away. Community blood drives play a key role in maintaining a steady local supply.

According to Vitalant, Arizona relies on organization-sponsored blood drives for more than half of its blood supply. At the same time, about one in every seven hospital patients in the state will require a blood transfusion.

"It is very important... every time you donate you're able to save two to three lives," Brazeel said. "Which is so important and in Arizona alone, we need 700 donors per day.”

The Laboratory Manager at Exceptional Community Hospital, Jasmine Lara, says each donation can go much further than many people realize. Allowing it to help several patients with different medical needs.

“When you give blood there’s several components to blood," Lara said. "So you have your red blood cells which are going to be used in any emergencies and traumas. You have your plasma which is going to be used for patients that are going to be dealing with any internal bleeding. And then you have your platelets which are going to be used particularly for cancer patients, Leukemia patients which is gonna assist in any blood clotting factors and things like that.” 

Despite the ongoing need, some people may feel hesitant about donating. However, staff say the process is simple and relatively quick.

“The whole process is an hour, you’re actually only donating for 10 minutes," Brazeel said. "So, piece of cake. You can save someone’s life in less than an hour’s time… We hope to see you on the 8th”

The blood drive will take place Wednesday, April 8, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Exceptional Community Hospital. Vitalant representatives will be on-site accepting donations.

Healthcare workers emphasize that donating blood is one of the easiest ways to make a life-saving impact in the community.