By Lori Baker, Communications Volunteer

Tina Royer says hosting American Red Cross blood drives at the City of Mesa Red Mountain Center is important because so many people every day need lifesaving blood.

“I am doing a small part by providing a consistent space that can make blood drives happen,” said Tina, recreation coordinator for the Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St. in Mesa.

Since she started hosting Red Cross blood drives four years ago at the center, nearly 1,800 units of life-changing blood have been donated during 55 blood drives. There are many return donors at these blood drive who come back time after time to help make a difference.

Red Mountain Center’s next blood drive will be on Dec. 17. The center’s monthly drives, which are open to the public, are typically from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month, but differ during the holiday season.

“During the holidays, donating blood becomes even more crucial as the amount of units collected is lower and the need increases,” Tina said.

For consistently hosting successful monthly blood drives, Tina was awarded “Most Valuable Player” during the Red Cross Arizona and New Mexico Region’s Red Cross Blood Program Leaders Recognition event in October.

Tina praised the work that American Red Cross volunteers and employees do.

“Being out in the field and having the ability to make even a small difference in the community, whether through blood drives, CPR training, or serving as a shelter, truly matters. It is an amazing feeling to contribute something so small that can have such a major impact on so many,” Tina said.

"Tina has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others. The entire community should be grateful for her consistent and spontaneous actions that saved her own father's life when she performed CPR when he had a heart attack. Tina is a true Super Hero in my book," said Colin Williams, Red Cross Blood Drive Account Manager II.

Blood donors of all blood types — especially type O — and platelet donors are urgently needed now to ensure patients at hospitals across the country continue to receive critical medical care.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Whether it’s a person giving birth, a child with sickle cell disease receiving a transfusion or a cancer patient undergoing treatment, access to blood and blood products is a necessity.

The American Red Cross is the nation’s largest single supplier, providing about 40% of blood and blood products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect about 12,000 units of blood at approximately 500 blood drives in order to meet this constant and urgent need. Blood donation appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.