Governor Susana Martinez Authorizes Time Off for State Employees to Donate Blood

NM Department of Health to Host Community Blood Drive Oct. 17th

SANTA FE, NM —  In response to the tragic shooting in Las Vegas, Governor Susana Martinez today authorized time off for any state employee who helps donate blood to assist the people of Las Vegas. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at the Harold Runnels Building, located at 1190 St. Francis Dr. in Santa Fe.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events in Las Vegas,” said New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “NMDOH considers emergency response among our most important responsibilities, and we are grateful for this opportunity to come together as New Mexicans to provide needed lifesaving blood for patients and victims.”

Donors can also give blood at fixed-site donor centers around the state:

Albuquerque Donor Center 1515 University Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 (800) 333-8037	Santa Fe Donor Center 2801 Rodeo Road Suites C1-C2 Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 246-1418
Farmington Donor Center 475 E. 20th St. Suite A Farmington, NM 87401 (888) 804-9913	Rio Rancho Donor Center 2003 Southern Blvd. SE Suite 122 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 246-1458
Las Cruces Donor Center 1200 Commerce Dr. Las Cruces, NM  88011 (575) 527-1322	Roswell Donor Center 3 Grand Avenue Plaza Roswell, NM 88201 (888) 676-5433

Information about additional community blood drives or bloodmobiles can be found at https://www.bloodhero.com/.

To support and honor those impacted by the shooting, United Blood Services is asking all donors to call 1-877-827-4376 or visit their website to schedule an appointment prior to showing up at a fixed or mobile site to give blood. In order to effectively manage the blood supply for patients, they are also urging blood donors to not only consider an immediate donation, but to also donate blood on an ongoing basis throughout the coming weeks and months.

To learn more about the donation process or to review donor eligibility guidelines, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the United Blood Services webpage at  http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/learnMore.aspx.