Contributed article
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College is gearing up to host its bi-annual blood drive April 4 at the LDS Thatcher Institute. The EAC blood drive is the largest in the state of Arizona and collects roughly 180 units of blood.
Since 2001, Eastern Arizona College has run 48 blood drives and collected more than 8,000 units of blood — almost enough to fill up the average-sized swimming pool — and has saved a potential of 26,000 lives.
This blood drive comes at a time when the Red Cross is seeing a significant decrease in the number of blood donors.
“Over the last 20 years, we have seen a 40-percent decline in reoccurring blood donors,” Red Cross Regional Blood Services Executive Jason Benedict said. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Eastern Arizona College. This blood drive allows the Red Cross to reach younger blood donors that want to create a positive impact on the community.”
The need for blood is constant — every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood products. Blood donations to the Red Cross help ensure new moms, premature babies, cancer patients, and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood.
To donate at the EAC blood drive, make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by going to redcrossblood.org and using sponsor code EAC.
