Blood drive hopes to curb shortages

Maricopa residents are being asked to donate a little time and a little blood during a blood drive by the Knights of Columbus next month.

The Knights of Columbus, with United Blood Services (UBS), are again sponsoring a blood drive at the Maricopa High School cafeteria on Saturday, July 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cafeteria is located at 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.

To date, 35 donors have signed up, with at least 25 more requested. In December, 32 pints of blood were donated.

In appreciation of the time they are giving, participants will be cholesterol tested. Prior to giving blood, donors are asked about their medical history and current health. Donors then have their temperature, blood pressure, pulse and blood hemoglobin level checked.

Seven hundred blood donors are needed daily in Arizona. With just one blood donation, donors can reportedly save up to three lives.

“Arizona has huge blood shortages,” Jack Mullins, Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus said. “Here in Maricopa alone, we see a few accidents each week. If we can get every donor to give blood just three times a year, every patient would have the blood they need, and blood shortages would be a relic of the past.”

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.BloodHero.com. The sponsor code is Maricopa.

In addition all donors through UBS, from June 1 through Aug. 31, will be entered to win a new 2007 Saturn AURA. For donor eligibility questions, call (480) 675-5497.