LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Vitalant held a blood drive Saturday at Las Vegas Ballpark, with organizers describing the current need for blood donations as critical — particularly for type O donors.
The drive ran from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a goal of collecting 200 units. All blood collected at the event stays in Southern Nevada to support hospital patients across Las Vegas, according to Vitalant.
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Why type O is the priority
“Blood type O ends up being the universal blood type,” said Laura Alvarado, account manager with Vitalant. “If you are O-negative, then your blood can go to any patient in the community regardless of their blood type — so it’s like the emergency blood type.”
Alvarado said O-positive blood is also used as an emergency type for patients with positive blood types when O-negative supplies run low.
Incentives for donors
Donors who gave blood at Saturday’s event received a voucher for two tickets to a Las Vegas Aviators home game, valid through Sept. 13. Donors who enter the code AUGUST15-2026-V can earn enough points to redeem a $15 gift card. All donors are also entered into a drawing for up to $30,000 toward the purchase of a new car.
How to find upcoming blood drives
Alvarado said the summer months are historically the most difficult time of year for blood donations.
“We just want the community to know that we need you,” Alvarado said. “We couldn’t do this without you.”
Residents who missed Saturday’s event can find upcoming blood drives at Vitalant.org by searching their zip code, or by calling 877-258-4825. Vitalant also operates a new donation center near Warm Springs and Durango in the southwest Las Vegas valley.
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