Mercy Air Co-Sponsors Red Cross Blood Drive

By JAIRO VALLEJO

The Progress

The City of Mesquite: Athletics and Leisure Services Department hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive for the fourth time this year on Friday, April 29 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm at the Mesquite Recreation Center.

However, this blood drive was not quite like the rest. Mercy Air co-sponsored the blood drive to support and bring awareness to the community. Mercy Air is the local full-service air medical transportation system that has been aiding the community for years now. They provide safe and rapid transport for all critically ill and injured patients.

At around 10:00 am patrons were able to watch Mercy Air arrive in dramatic fashion by landing one of their helicopters on the Rec Center West Field. Children watched in awe as the helicopter safely landed on the field.

The pilots and medical staff then allowed patrons to climb abord, take photos in the helicopter and they answered any questions from the public.
“We love this community, and we want to do whatever we can to promote our partnership with the American Red Cross,” said Tanya Paynter, account executive with Mercy Air.

Although the fun had to come to an end, and all the laughs and smiles quickly transitioned into serious faces. During the event, Mercy Air received a call that a patient from Mesa View Hospital needed transportation to Las Vegas. The area was quickly evacuated and two ambulances rushed on to the West Field. Medical staff swiftly transported the patient from the ambulance to the helicopter. Then they were gone within a few minutes. A job well done!

It was yet another successful blood drive as well, despite the emergency. Over 30 pints of blood was collected by the American Red Cross having the potential to save more than 90 lives.

Currently the U.S is experiencing a national blood crisis. According to an American Red Cross staff “it’s the worst blood shortage in over a decade, and we are doing whatever we can to receive more donations.”
Doctors are having to choose and prioritize which patients will get blood transfusions and which patients will have to wait until more blood becomes available.

“We are hosting over 20 blood drives here at the center to do our part,” said Mira Larsen, of the Rec Center Staff. “We understand the need for blood, especially within our community.”
“We want to thank all those who donated blood, Mercy Air, and the American Red Cross for helping this community!” continued Larsen.

To donate blood go to www.redcrossblood.org, and type in your zip code for a list of drives in your area.