Vitalant has declared a critical shortage of blood as supplies have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Shelter-in-place orders led to 566-blood drives canceled since early March in Arizona alone, resulting in a loss of more than 17,000 uncollected blood donations. That, coupled with a resumption of surgeries and other medical procedures as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted, has caused a 25% increase in the need for blood during the past several weeks. Several blood drives are scheduled in northern Arizona in June. To make an appointment, visit vitalant.org.
