Holiday weekend blood drive to counter expected shortage

Thursday, Sept. 3, 1998 | 10:51 a.m.

United Blood Services will host blood drives at three area malls this weekend to keep up with the increased blood needs that usually accompany holiday weekends.

"Every holiday weekend, the blood needs increase for a variety of reasons," said Karen Threlkeld, spokeswoman for United Blood Services.

Some of those reasons include an increase in tourism and the amount of people visiting Red Rock or Mount Charleston which leads to more potential for injury.

Lack of blood donations around holidays also lowers the inventory, she added. The current need for blood in the Las Vegas Valley is 300 units (pints) a day. "One donation (one unit) from one person can help three other people."

Donors must be between the ages of 17 and 80, weigh at least 110 pounds and have general good health. Photo identification -- a driver's license or donor card -- must be presented.

The most needed blood types are O-positive or O-negative. O-positive is the most common type of blood, and O-negative can be given to anyone with any blood type. Only 6 percent of the population has 0-negative.

Mike Richars, spokesman for United Blood Services, said Labor Day weekend is an especially difficult holiday because of last-minute shopping and vacation efforts by families heading back to school. Richars said they are hoping to see 100 to 125 donors over the holiday weekend.

Participating malls in this weekend's blood drive are: the Boulevard mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, (Macy's Court between JC Penney and Dillard's) Friday through Monday; The Galleria at Sunset, 1300 Sunset Road (Lower Level, JC Penney Court) Friday through Monday; and the Meadows mall, 4300 Meadows Lane, (Lower Level, Sears Court) Friday through Tuesday.

Only 3 percent of valley residents give blood on a regular basis -- one to six times a year, which is lower than the national standard of 5 percent. Fear of needles, not making the time and thinking the next person is donating are the common reasons for not donating, Threlkeld said.