If you’re healthy, you’re needed now more than ever. We cannot let it get to the point where there’s no blood available for trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment and patients who need regular, ongoing blood transfusions just to survive.”

Vitalant’s chief medical and scientific officer Ralph Vassallo

IF YOU GO

What: Blood donation events

When: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 23

Where: Banner Boswell Medical Center, 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City (Vitalant RV parked near south entrance)

When: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, April 24

Where: Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West (Vitalant RV parked near south entrance)

More Information: Visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 (877-25-VITAL) to schedule an appointment

Banner Boswell Medical Center
10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd.
Sun City, AZ
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With many regularly scheduled blood drives closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Banner Health is partnering with Vitalant, the region’s blood bank operator, to encourage blood donations and help restore supply.

Blood donation events at Banner Health facilities are coming next week to Sun City and Sun City West.

Banner Boswell Medical Center, 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, will host a donation event 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 23. The Vitalant RV will be parked near the south entrance.

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, will host an event 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, April 24. The Vitalant RV will be parked near the south entrance.

Vitalant asks potential donors to make an appointment on its website ahead of the event to prevent crowds from forming. Visit www.vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 (877-25-VITAL).

“Our blood collection sites are a ‘first response’ action to this outbreak versus a gathering that needs to be avoided,” Vitalant’s chief medical and scientific officer Ralph Vassallo, MD, stated in a news release. “If you’re healthy, you’re needed now more than ever. We cannot let it get to the point where there’s no blood available for trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment and patients who need regular, ongoing blood transfusions just to survive.”

Vitalant leaders say blood donations are still safe. Staff take steps to ensure surfaces are thoroughly disinfected between donors and social distancing protocols are followed to minimize the potential for transmission of the new coronavirus. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said giving blood is considered an essential activity under the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” executive order that took effect March 31.

“We all play an important role in protecting public health,” Gov. Ducey said. “If you are healthy, please consider donating blood.”

Federal leaders also encourage those who are able to donate to do so, reassuring the public that blood donation is safe and an “essential health care activity.”

Every day, almost 5,000 blood donations are needed to meet the needs of people throughout the country, and Vitalant’s 800,000 donors supply 1.8 million donations a year.