Urgent Need: Blood supplies coast-to-coast are dangerously low due to a severe dip in donations leading up to and following the July 4 holiday, prompting a coordinated nationwide call for donors of blood of all types. Forecasting projects a shortfall of 5,700 donations in July and greater shortfalls throughout the summer. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

“Find the hero in you” … Los Alamos residents have the chance to do just that by joining in the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges community blood drive noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4 in the hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.

The dedicated first responders, firefighters, policemen and sheriffs are challenging all New Mexicans to donate blood and help save lives. The first responders will be at the drives to recruit blood donors and donate themselves, as well as competing for the public’s votes.

It takes 300 blood donations every day to meet the needs of area patients and to be ready for emergencies.

“We all expect blood to be there for us if we ever need it,” said United Blood Services Regional Field Director Pascen Booth. “But only about 10 percent of area residents donate blood.”

Blood donated in this community helps save the lives of patients in 47 different hospitals throughout New Mexico and the Four Corners Region.

Donate blood and receive a commemorative t-shirt just for donating.  And take the opportunity to vote for a favorite first responder team.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate blood. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 23 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed UBS form/permission from a parent or guardian.

To schedule an appointment or for questions, call 505.246.1457 or go to www.unitedbloodservices.org and enter sponsor code: Los Alamos

United Blood Services has been this area’s non-profit community blood provider since 1951 and serves patients in 47 hospitals in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah. The United Blood Services network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks).