Ever since I was in high school I’ve been donating blood, and now there are some extra incentives to donating besides just saving lives. If you haven’t donated in a while, or if you’re due to donate, this is the time to do it!

United Blood Services is hosting the state’s largest blood drive July 2 and 3. The “Save Our Summer” event promises family fun and prizes.
United Blood Services is asking Valley residents to declare independence from blood shortages by donating at the 4th Annual Save Our Summer blood drive event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thurs., July 2, at Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland in Glendale, or from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri., July 3, at US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson, Phoenix.

The Coyotes, D-backs, and Suns have joined 3TV, the Glendale Star/Peoria Times, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Saturn and Univision Radio to host Arizona’s largest blood drive at two popular venues over the course of two days, making it easy to Find the Hero in You.

More than 500 people are expected to roll up their sleeves in support of Arizona hospital patients. Special surprises are planned for the Save Our Summer event, all to make sure that Arizona patients have the blood transfusions they need during the Independence Day holiday.

For an appointment, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) toll free, or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter Sponsor Code: SOS).

Every donor can get:
- Free computer check by Data Doctors on July 3
- One donor drawn as a finalist to win a 2009 Saturn Aura
- First 500 donors receive a voucher for a free D-backs ticket
- T-shirt & gift bag for all donors (a $60 value)
Gift bag sponsors and content includes:
Arizona Diamondbacks – free ticket voucher
Blue Bell Creameries – free pint of ice cream coupon
Brunswick Zone – 2 free games of open bowling
Drive & Ride Magazine – $10 ad discount
Jester’Z Improv Comedy Troupe – $2 ticket discount
Midas – free tire rotation & wheel balance check coupon
Monster Jam – $5 ticket discount & monster truck hero card
Salon Denmark – 50% discount coupon
Saturn – 2nd chance entry to win a 2009 Saturn Aura
Sonic – free toy
Sport Clips – free haircut
- Free tissue-typing for the National Marrow Donor Program ($75 value)
- Children’s play area for kids hosted by Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Every 15 minutes, eight blood donors are needed to support the needs of Arizona hospital patients. According to United Blood Services Executive Director Audrey Jennings, the Independence Day holiday week is the most difficult time of the summer to ensure hospital patients across the state receive the blood transfusions they need.

“While donor vacations reduce the number of people giving blood, heavy traffic on the roads and highways increases the potential for accidents and the need for blood,” said Jennings.

“Find the Hero in You” and help United Blood Services declare independence from blood shortages during the holiday week.

About United Blood Services
United Blood Services has been Arizona’s non-profit community blood provider since 1943 and serves patients in approximately 50 Arizona hospitals. The UBS network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Association of Blood Banks.
For more information on how to Find the Hero in You, please call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) toll-free or visit www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.