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Donors needed for Arizona's largest blood drive event

Blood donations are urgently needed in Arizona right now and the state’s largest blood drive is coming up this week. 

“More blood transfusions are needed in January than during any other month of the year because most people will postpone essential, but non-emergency surgeries until right after the holiday season,” said Vitalant spokesperson Sue Thew. 

But she said, soaring demand hits at the same time as falling supply.

“We have just come off the most difficult week of the year to maintain our state’s blood supply. Donations are never lower than between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day," Thew said. 

Vitalant’s Saving Arizona Blood Drive is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Vitalant has space for 700 blood donors during the event.

All blood types are needed. Donors will get perks including a pass to the Phoenix Open and a voucher for free pizza.

Katherine Davis-Young is a senior field correspondent reporting on a variety of issues, including public health and climate change.