14th annual High School Blood Drive Challenge to begin next week

Jena Doak, [email protected]

Sweetwater County, Wyoming — In the midst of a nationwide blood shortage, the 14th Annual High School Blood Drive Challenge is taking place next week between January 24 and January 27. Donors are critically needed, especially for blood types 0 positive and 0 negative.

“Everything is going well so far. It seems like a lot of spots are filling up,” said Sandy Thomas, Senior Donor Recruiter Representative with Vitalant. Vitalant supplies blood to 90 hospitals nationwide, including 14 hospitals in Wyoming.

The American Red Cross is experiencing its worse blood shortage in over a decade. Vitalant, the nation’s largest, independent nonprofit blood services provider, is at a critical low.

The shortages are largely due to the pandemic and inclement weather. Also, people not keeping their appointments are contributing to the shortage. Those who have been working at home due to the pandemic are not getting out as frequently as before.

Not only those who are involved in an accident or surgery need blood. Many others require blood transfusions ongoingly.

Next week’s donation locations and times are as follows:

Monday, January 24, Noon – 6:00 p.m. Rock Springs Community Drive @ Bunning Freight Station

Tuesday, January 25, Noon – 6:00 p.m. Green River Community Drive, Green River Recreation Center

Wednesday, January 26, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Rock Springs High School (school admin and students only)

Thursday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Green River High School (school admin and students only)

“If people haven’t made their appointment yet, or are questioning whether they can donate, feel free to reach out to us. For example, we have changed the guidelines for recently tattooed people from having to wait a year before they can donate, to three months,” said Thomas.

For appointments, call 877-25-VITAL or log onto donors.vitalant.org. Walk-ins are welcome. While supplies last, donors will receive a t-shirt.

Winners of the 14th Annual High School Blood Drive Challenge will be announced Thursday, February 3, 2022, during the Rock Springs vs. Green River basketball game.