One month ago, Southern Nevadans set blood donation records in the wake of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shootings on Oct. 1.
These days only half show up for their donation appointments, and the Las Vegas area faces a potential blood product shortage heading into the holidays.
“People don’t have as much of a sense of urgency,” said Jeannine McCoy, the Las Vegas-based regional donor recruitment manager for United Blood Services.
Fewer people typically give blood in the holiday season, according to McCoy because of the hectic nature of the season and because more people are suffering colds or flu, which makes them ineligible to donate blood.
Blood products have a finite shelf life ranging from a few days to a few weeks, creating a constant need for new donations.
Those interested in giving blood can visit BloodHero.com or call (877) UBS-HERO or (877) 827-4376.
McCoy encouraged those who no longer want to donate to cancel their reservations.
Jeannine McCoy, United Blood Services.