Arianna BennettChannel 2 News
With more than 15 victims still being treated at local hospitals, the United Blood Services needs all the donations they can get.
Luckily, the community has stepped up to help with record donations the past few days.
United Blood Services got more than 580 units of blood in just two days over the weekend. They say, that's about one-sixth of their average for the whole month.
"We were extremely packed. We had more donors than we've ever had in any weekend since 9-11," says Donor Recruitment Director Steve Thomas.
On Saturday, the line of donors stretched out the door of the donation center, people all waiting to do whatever they could to help.
The waiting rooms were packed - with more than 500 people showing up to donate Saturday and Sunday.
Monday was a little calmer, but donations still held steady bolstering their supplies that were greatly reduced on Friday.
Just in the first wave of response to the accident, UBS sent out 120 units of blood as well as flying some in from sister centers in Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas as a precaution.
"We have some great donors on our service area, and because of them we were able to meet all of the needs for the hospitals."
Two more blood drives are coming up in the next few days:
The Reno Rodeo Blood Drive is Tuesday in the parking lot of Edward Jones at 979 Pyramid Way in Sparks from 9am until 1pm.
And this Wednesday and Thursday, Wooster High School will hold a blood drive from 9am till 2:45pm both days at 1331 East Plumb Lane.
UBS centers are located at:
1125 Terminal Way, Reno
4670 Sparks Boulevard, Sparks
256 E. Winnie Lane, Carson City
O negative is the blood type most desired but all blood types are needed.
Go to bloodhero.com for more information or to schedule your appointment.
