With many regularly scheduled blood drives closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Banner Health is partnering with Vitalant to encourage donations and help restore supply.

Leaders at Vitalant said the limited number of donation events has significantly impacted the blood supply they maintain for area hospitals. They also said blood donations are still safe. Staff is taking steps to ensure surfaces are thoroughly disinfected between donors and social distancing protocols are followed to minimize the potential for transmission of the new coronavirus.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said giving blood is considered an essential activity under the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” executive order that took effect March 31.

“We all play an important role in protecting public health,” Mr. Ducey said. “If you are healthy, please consider donating blood.”

Federal leaders also encourage those who are able to donate to do so, reassuring the public that blood donation is safe and an “essential health care activity.”

There are three upcoming blood donation events at Banner Health facilities in the West Valley, which include:

Banner Estrella Medical Center, 9201 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, east of Loop 101 Agua Fria

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 16
• Vitalant RV parked on west side of campus near main entrance

Banner Boswell Medical Center, 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, west of 103rd Avenue

• 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 23
• Vitalant RV parked near south entrance

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, 14502 W. Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, north of Grand Avenue

• 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, April 24
• Vitalant RV parked near south entrance

Vitalant asks potential donors to make an appointment on its website ahead of the event to prevent crowds from forming.

“Our blood collection sites are a ‘first response’ action to this outbreak versus a gathering that needs to be avoided,” Ralph Vassallo, MD, Vitalant’s chief medical and scientific officer, stated in a release. “If you’re healthy, you’re needed now more than ever. We cannot let it get to the point where there’s no blood available for trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment and patients who need regular, ongoing blood transfusions just to survive."