United Blood Services centers have sent blood to Florida to help save the lives of the dozens of people injured in the mass shooting in Orlando.

United Blood Services is calling on Las Vegas-area donors to replenish the local supply and help assure there is blood on hand should the Orlando community need additional help.



Donations may be made at locations throughout the Las Vegas valley at its West Charleston, Northwest, and Green Valley blood centers or a number of community blood drives happening throughout the valley.

Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 877-827-4376; or by visiting www.UnitedBloodServices.org.

"With your one donation, you can help save up to 3 patients' lives," said Jeannine McCoy, manager of donor recruitment of United Blood Services. "With the tragedy that just occurred over the weekend we just need help to replenish the blood on our shelves."



Volunteer blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate on the United Blood Services website www.UnitedBloodServices.org.



Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently changed its guidance about blood donation by men who have had sex with men, United Blood Services is still in the process of changing its computer system to address the change, and currently must defer men who have had sex with men.