YRMC in critical need of blood donors

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - As the state of Arizona faces a critical blood shortage, Vitalant is hosting a blood drive next Wednesday to help with the blood count.

Every year blood donations tend to fall during the holidays.

According to The Associated Press (AP News), Arizona has less than a day's supply of the universal blood type, O-negative, and less than a two day supply of O-positive.

There are also shortages of other blood types.

This year's shortage is more severe than any other year according to AP news.

Bloody supply is needed the most during surgeries that take place at YRMC.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy use the blood supply, as well as emergencies.

During an emergency, hospital officials said they don't know what type of blood the patient is. So they need an ample supply of all types to fulfill the needs of whoever comes across the hospital.

In Yuma, the blood shortage comes from the temporary population the city has. This makes donating more complicated because the donors that do donate when they are in town, eventually leave.

If you would like to donate blood, you must make sure you are healthy, don't have the flu, or any respiratory diseases.

You must also eat before going in to withdraw blood and refrain from physical activity after.

The blood drive will be at YRMC on January 15 at the administrative building from 10 am to 2 pm.