Give blood in Yuma this week

Vitalant hosting blood drive at different locations

YUMA, Ariz (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - There are many ways to give back during the holidays, including giving blood.

Vitalant, a nonprofit organization that collects blood from volunteer donors is trying to make the process as easy as possible.

"We need about 30,000 units a day just to supply the state of Arizona," said Iva Cook, a phlebotomist with Vitalant.

Throughout the United States, 5 million people will need blood transfusions every year, according to Vitalant's website.

Cook said one in six donors is in high school or college which is why Vitalant does a lot of blood drives at schools and colleges.

"It's easy to come in between class or before you have to go to lunch," Cook said.

Vitalant's Yuma blood drive schedule is as followed:

Wednesday, November 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Arizona Western Science Club, 
2020 S Ave 8E, 3C Bldg Schoening Conference Center

Friday, November 22, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Kofa High School, 
3100 Ave A, Ernest F Rillos Gym

Friday, November 22, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY), 
899 E Plaza Circle, Lab

Monday, November 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Yuma Regional Medical Center, 
2400 S Ave A, Yuma Conference Room

Tuesday, November 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Yuma Regional Medical Center @ Corporate Center, 
399 W 32nd St, Kokapelli Conference Room

To book an appointment, visit BloodHero.com or call 1-877-25-VITAL (84825).