Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union hosted its 83rd blood drive since 2004 at its corporate headquarters on Wednesday, February 8, in northeast Albuquerque.
Volunteers donated 20 units of blood, exceeding the drive’s goal by five units. Over the years, the Credit Union has collected 1,352 units of blood, which has had the potential to save 4,056 lives.
The blood drive was organized through Vitalant, the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit organization focused exclusively on providing lifesaving blood services. Vitalant has hosted 83 blood donation events at SLFCU since 2004.
SLFCU’s Telecommunications Services Manager, Kiko Contreras, has coordinated the Credit Union’s blood drive participation since 2006. “I wanted to get involved with an important community service and connect with other volunteer-minded employees across the SLFCU organization,” Contreras said.
“Right now, hospitals and other care facilities are experiencing an emergency blood shortage,” said McKinzey Skeeters, a Vitalant Account Manager based in Albuquerque. “We are grateful to our community partners, such as SLFCU, for their continued support in hosting blood drives and encouraging their members to donate.”
Jairus Brown, a phlebotomist from Vitalant, draws blood from Albuquerque resident Patricia
Armell during Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union’s 83 rd blood drive since 2004.