May 10, 2016
The Albuquerque Marriott is hosting its annual summer blood drive to help maintain New Mexico’s blood supply during a historically challenging time for blood donations.
“This blood drive is targeted to collect more than 100 units of blood, which will be vital to the summer blood supply,” Charlene Smith, a spokesperson for United Blood Services said.
The event takes place August 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Marriott’s Sandia Ballroom. Donors will receive a pint of ice cream from Dreyer’s as part of the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” promotion, along with a voucher from Midas, good for a free oil change.
“Approximately 60 percent of the blood collected in the state is from outside the centers, so these types of blood drives are very important to the blood supply,” Smith said.
She said eligible blood donors are encouraged to give blood at least three times a year — once in the summer — to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood.
“In order to maintain a supply to meet the needs of the 42 New Mexico hospitals United Blood Services serves, 320 donations are needed daily. Only 5 percent of the population donates blood. That’s a staggering statistic considering one out of three New Mexicans will need blood sometime in their life,” Smith said.
UBS officials said appointments are encouraged, and can be made by calling (505) 837-6673 or by visiting the UBS website and entering sponsor code: Marriott. Photo identification is required, and donors must be at least 17 years of age. In addition, donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to donating blood.