Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 6, 2022) — National Blood Collectors Week is Sept. 4-10, and the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is honoring the dedicated team of local nurses, phlebotomists, donor recruiters, and volunteers who play a critical role in helping ensure life-saving blood is available to patients in need. The 17th annual event was designed to recognize the many groups and individuals who play a vital role in every aspect of health care by ensuring the safe supply of blood.
“Blood collector professionals are a vital connection between blood donors and the recipients of life-saving transfusions,” said Dr. Hank Hanna, Red Cross Medical Director for Nevada. “These are trusted health care workers who help ensure the safety of the blood supply and take care of those who donate blood.”
National Blood Collectors Week comes at an important time, as the Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood donations this summer. “The decline in donations has caused the American Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. “With the help of volunteer blood donors, the Red Cross is able to make blood products available across the country daily,” said Ruster. “Volunteer donation is the only way to get transfusable blood for medical treatments, and Red Cross volunteers, nurses, and phlebotomists are the ones interacting with donors and supporting them. Our blood collection professionals and volunteers work to create a positive experience for donors, along with safeguarding their health.”
Given the blood supply challenges the Red Cross has faced recently, Dr. Hanna said the organization is especially appreciative of the heroic work that blood collectors in Nevada do every day. “They play a vital role in ensuring that life-saving blood is safe and available,” he said. “We applaud their dedication to donor and patient health and safety.”
Learn more about blood donation
For information and eligibility requirements, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.