United Blood Services seeks volunteer donors

Last summer was a rough one for blood centers, hospitals and patients, as the majority of communities around the nation experienced blood shortages, which are typical during the blood donor "dry" season known as summer. But what made this year even more challenging was the fact that the shortages continued well into September, which generated a rare nationwide appeal for blood donors from the nation's largest blood providers.

"Several centers in the United Blood Services Network did issue appeals - including our local centers in Reno and Carson City," said Alana Ladd-Ross, community relations director.

As the weather cools and retailers begin to display holiday merchandise, United Blood Services is nervously looking toward the holiday season, the other time of the year when blood donations traditionally drop. Members of the Reno and Carson communities can help keep the blood supply at dependable levels by donating blood in time for the holidays.

United Blood Services urges all residents 17 years or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health to help beat a holiday blood shortage by calling 324-6454 in Reno or 887-9111 in Carson to schedule an appointment. In less than an hour, a blood donor can save the lives of several people.