YRMC blood drive starts Monday

Yuma Regional Medical Center will host the Thanks for Giving Life blood drive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

The drive, conducted by United Blood Services, is open to the public. It will be held at Yuma Regional Corporate Center, 399 W. 32nd St.

"As we approach Thanksgiving, there is no better way to give thanks than to help others in need of blood," said Robin Hardee, drive coordinator at YRMC. "It is vital that Yumans step up to the plate to make our drive a success."

United Blood Services provides 100 percent of the blood used at YRMC. In 2008 YRMC used 9,706 units of blood products, and nearly three-fourths were red blood cells. The same year, just 3,000 units of blood were collected in the Yuma area.

Hardee said that although walk-in donors are welcome, the best way to save time is to schedule an appointment.

There are three ways to schedule an appointment. She asked that donors include the date and a desired time and telephone number:
  • Go online to www.bloodhero.com (enter sponsor code: GivingLife)
  • Call Hardee at 336-7092
  • E-mail her at rhardee@yumaregional.org.

Donors who make an appointment online will receive 100 points toward the United Blood Services rewards store. Donors will receive another 100 points if they are able to donate a pint of blood.