This is the 33rd year for the All Reno Radio Blood Drive - chance to meet local radio personalities and give blood in a time of need.  It's a partnership between the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, local radio stations and Vitalant.

"Twice a year we do these great big media blood drives and this one is  aimed at securing the blood supply after the holiday season," said Nicole Jo with Vitalant.  "We've just come out of Christmas and New Year's and we see a drop in donations around those dates and were looking to restock the blood supply."

Right now the need for donors is urgent.

"If anyone has donated with us before, they may have gotten a text from us letting them know we're really in need of donors," Jo said.  "A healthy blood supply is four days worth of blood on the shelf on any given time so you can imagine when we have less than that, it really can put people at risk."

Hundreds in this community will donate - some for the first time, many who've been here before.

"You just never know when you might be able to help somebody and it doesn't cost me anything but a few minutes so why not," said donor Ginger Winings.  "I've done it for years and years.  It's good to kind of feel that you may help somebody."

The blood donated here will help patients all over the region.

"Your blood goes back to the lab, it's tested and treated all until it becomes a medical grade product," Jo said.  "Then it will get transported to a hospital for a patient in need, typically in the Northern Nevada and Northern California areas."

 

Some of the children who receive these donations also have their wishes granted through the local chapter of make a wish.

The drive continues tomorrow, Wednesday, January 9th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Atlantis' Paradise Ballroom.