School cancellations due to the statewide teacher walkout are putting a strain on not only parents and caregivers, but blood banks, too.
FULL SECTION: Latest info on Arizona teacher walkouts
United Blood Services says they are in immediate need of blood donations because dozens of high school blood drives have been canceled due to canceled school days. School districts around the state shut down Thursday, April 26 and some are still closed as of Tuesday.
Those scheduled high school drives were expected to bring in more than 1,000 much-needed blood donations.
"High school donors are the top contributors to Arizona's blood supply," said Sid Lewis, Sr. Director of Donor Recruitment for United Blood Services Southwest Division, in a media release. "One in every six blood transfusions comes from a teen in Arizona, far surpassing any other age group of donors."
To make up for the loss of donation opportunities, UBS has added special blood drives in Glendale and Mesa. The special blood drives are located at:
Gila River Arena: 9400 W. Maryland Ave, Northwest Gate 3, Tues., May 1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mesa Arts Center: 1 E. Main St., Bloodmobiles in Parking Lot, Tues., May 1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Can't make it to one of Tuesday's blood drives? To find donation locations near you and make an appointment, click here.
