LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — After the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas last week, communities across the country have come together to help.
Blood donations started pouring in and, on top of helping the victims of Uvalde, the donations received will help replenish an already depleted supply.
READ: Blood donations surge after Texas school shooting
“In light of the Texas tragedy that just took place, or any mass shooting like what we experienced here locally for 1 October, we always see a community response for donating blood. At this time, however, there is a critical need for all blood types and we’re still seeing the supplies not meeting the demands of hospital patients,” said Brittany Estrella, the communications manager for Vitalant.
Estrella said shelves usually full of donated blood are mostly empty in Southern Nevada, and the demand for blood is only expected to increase over the summer.
“During the summer, and especially after Memorial Day weekend every year, it’s a hard time for the blood supply because people are taking vacations, there’s more roadway and highway travel with more accidents that occur and more people ending up in the trauma centers,” Estrella said.
ONGOING BLOOD SHORTAGE: 'Critical' blood shortage continues in Las Vegas hospitals and medical facilities
Estrella said there’s a critical need for all blood types, but especially type O. At the lowest, area hospitals have been working with a less than two-day supply of type O blood.
Learn more on how to donate here.
