Mint Cannabis Teams Up with Vitalant for a Series of Community Blood Drives this October

Start: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 11:00AM
End: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 3:00PM

After making a blood donation at a Mint dispensary this month, if you are 21 years of age or older, you’ll receive a product voucher from the Mint that is redeemable for a future visit.

Additionally, when you volunteer to give blood Oct. 6-31, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards from Vitalant. Plus, use the Vitalant donor app to schedule and double your chances to win.

While walk-ins will be accepted, individuals who make an appointment in advance to donate blood at one of these events will be prioritized. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 877-25-VITAL and request a Mint dispensary location. You can also sign up online at vitalant.org/Mint, through the Vitalant donor app, or by visiting https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa?pid=5293

Arizona needs more blood donors during the holidays. Blood needs throughout Arizona continue to rise - often outpacing donations. Hitting daily blood donor thresholds can be a challenge, especially in the winter months, which are full of school breaks, holiday travel, seasonal illnesses, and poor weather conditions. 

Hospitals often request more blood products during the holidays. Less than 3% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs.

Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, whether it’s due to an accident, surgery, illness, or disease. 

Blood has a short shelf life, requiring a constant supply of donations. Red blood cells must be used within 42 days, and platelets must be used in five. That means blood products must be constantly replenished, and doing so is only possible thanks to blood donors. 

Maricopa County is still one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. Its blood needs, as well as those throughout the state, continue to rise - often outpacing donations. According to Vitalant, 600 Arizona blood donors are needed daily to replenish blood supplies.

Donating blood saves lives. "We are always looking for ways to help the community," said Eivan Shahara, CEO of Mint Cannabis. "These blood drives provide an opportunity for all of us to do our part by donating blood to save lives."

According to Vitalant, donors with all blood types are needed, especially from people with types O negative, A negative, and B negative.

Vitalant will have a blood mobile set up in the parking lot of each Mint Cannabis dispensary. 
During a blood donation, approximately one pint of "whole blood" is given. The entire process usually taken about one hour, including the complimentary mini-physical, average 10-minute blood donation and visit to the refreshment area to replenish with snacks and fluids.