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Vitalant experiences blood donation shortage over the winter break

Arizona’s largest blood service provider Vitalant has experienced a blood shortage emergency over the winter break. The nonprofit is currently seeking blood donors of all types, especially those with Type O blood. 

Vitalant communications director Sue Thew said the low blood donations are due to various factors, including no longer having access to blood drives held at schools.

“With all of the schools on their winter recess for the holidays, we’ve lost our biggest source of blood drives during the winter holiday season," she said.

Vitalant is holding a blood drive at the Tempe Center for the Arts between 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Anyone who participates will receive vouchers for pizza and a one-day admission to the Phoenix Open. Donors will also be entered into a raffle for a Super Bowl package giveaway.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.