A friendly competition between Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories to mark World Blood Donor Day ended in a very close contest with 340 total donors taking part from both labs.
Blood is always a critical resource for New Mexico hospitals, but has been especially important of late as blood donations decreased over the summer.
Community partner Vitalant, which conducted the drive, has documented overall low donor turnout during summer 2024, observing a 30% shortfall over Fourth of July week and an emergency shortage of type O blood, stated Heidi Chase, blood drive account manager.
Sandia came out on top with a total of 183 units collected (with 47 new donors) to Los Alamos' 180 units (and 37 new donors). The blood donated by all the volunteers could positively impact the lives of nearly 900 patients in New Mexico.
"The total of 340 donors this year across both laboratories is 95 more than last year, and we collected 72 more units overall," said Kayla Norris, who organized the Los Alamos portion of the drive. "Thanks to everyone who took part, and we'll get Sandia next year!"
If you or your organization are interested in donating blood, contact vitalant.org/donate or call 1-877-25-VITAL to make an appointment at a nearby mobile unit or blood center.
LA-UR-24-29009