Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District collected over 19 pints of blood at a blood drive May 16. 

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and/or platelets, according to the American Red Cross. 

The blood drive was sponsored by Marshdale Elementary PTA, Green Valley & Richmond Hill Wildfire Awareness and Miranda L Tucker, LCSW. 

Miranda Tucker, member of the Marshdale Elementary PTA, heard comments from local first responders about the national shortage of blood. That is when she got the idea to hold a blood drive in the community. 

“The Vitalant company made it super easy, and Intercanyon jumped at the opportunity to host,” Tucker said. 

Tucker, mom to an outgoing fifth grader and incoming kindergartener at Marshdale, rolled up her sleeve to donate May 16 as well. She recognized this was one of the first opportunities to host a blood drive in a while due to COVID-19.

Ashley Donorovich from Evergreen has kids at Marshdale. She came out Monday morning to give blood, and was hoping for a big turnout. 

“I try to support anything the school does,” she said.

Donorovich said she is aware of the blood shortage, and her donation went faster than expected. 

Suzy Chairez has been working as a phlebotomist for seven years. The past few years she has spent working with Vitalant. The best part of the job for Chairez is seeing the impact her collections make.

“[The best part is] definitely collecting the blood, knowing each donation can save up to three lives,” she said. 

For nervous, first time donors, Chairez generally makes light conversation and makes sure the donor is comfortable. Her goal is to ensure they have a good experience so they will come back to donate again. 

Chairez also noted that donors can get a text when their unit of blood is used, thus keeping them engaged in the process.