Update:

The 15th Annual Give 2 Live Blood Drive ended Thursday at 7 p.m. 

264 units of blood were donated during the two-day event. Vitalant's goal was to collect 300 units of blood. It says it has been a challenge for the organization to collect blood this summer as community COVID-19 infections increase and more people travel and become more active in comparison to recent summers.

However, Vitalant says 264 units of blood donations is still a win for the countless lives each donation will save in the future.

Vitalant says all donations really make a difference. One donation can save up to three lives. Blood donations are also a big need in the community. Northern Nevada hospitals need at least 150 donors a day to take care of local patients, according to Vitalant.

When blood is donated, it is labeled and taken to a processing center. Whole blood, which is the typical donation type, is spun around in machines and separated into different parts. Once the blood has gone through processing, parts of the blood donation become individual units which include red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Red blood cells could help people with surgeries. Platelets help cancer patients gain strength when they're going through chemotherapy. Plasma could help patients with serious burns or severe blood loss.

Vitalant said each and every blood type is vital and can serve a variety of people.

Brent White donated blood with his 17-year-old son.

He said, "To be honest I'm terrified of needles, but I control my fears, my fears don't control me. And I'm also O Positive so it's very needed."

Vitalant is always taking blood donations, as it is a big need nationwide.

Click here to learn how to donate.

Original Story

You can help save lives in our community during our 15th annual Give 2 Live Blood Drive.

This year's blood drive is July 6th and 7th at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, inside the Paradise Terrace from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Officials say northern Nevada needs at least 150 donors a day to help local hospital patients.

"A healthy blood supply is four days' worth of blood on the shelf at any given time and when we're in critical, we've seen a little as two days' supply especially of key blood types like O positive and negative, but all types of blood types are needed right now."

One pint of blood can save up to three lives! 

All donors will entered in a gift card raffle - they're giving out grilling aprons and coupons for free ice cream and gelato .