By Lori Baker, Communications Volunteer

The Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse has hosted 27 American Red Cross blood drives since July 2020, collecting nearly 1,100 units of blood.

“As a community-funded nonprofit group, it is important for us to create outreach programs to the community. In turn, it provides an opportunity for the community to give back to society by participating in the Red Cross blood drives,” said Ken Hinatsu, administration officer for the Maricopa County, Sun Lakes Sheriff's Posse.

The Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse, a Premiere Blood Partner with the Red Cross, was a winner in the American Red Cross Pump It Up Challenge, which recognizes high-achieving blood drive sponsors that have grown the number of blood donations collected in their community.

Several blood drives open to the public are planned in coming months, including Dec. 6, Jan. 31 and March 28 at the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse Office, 9531 E. Riggs Road in Sun Lakes. The blood drive hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse is affiliated with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Pre-registration is required on RedCross.org.

Besides hosting blood drives, Hinatsu also has been volunteering with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team for Arizona and New Mexico since 2012.

The Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. 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 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.