In an effort to help rebuild the blood supply in wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Gila River Arena and the Arizona Coyotes are partnering with Vitalant and Streets of New York to host a community blood drive on May 27 and 28 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

MAKE DONOR APPOINTMENT

To ensure that social distancing is in place, all donors must make an appointment at vitalant.org/Coyotes prior to the event date and will be required to bring and wear a mask. Walk- up donors will not be permitted on the day of the blood drive. Donors will enter Gila River Arena at the far east door of Gate 4. Parking will be available in Lot G on the east side of the arena. 

Coyotes President of Hockey Operations & GM John Chayka will be kicking off the event with a blood donation on Wednesday, May 27 at 8:00 a.m. Head Coach Rick Tocchet as well as forward Brad Richardson and defenseman Jason Demers will also be donating blood that morning between 8 and 8:30 a.m.

Due to safety measures implemented because of the Coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of blood drives across Arizona were cancelled over the past two months.  “Patient blood needs have substantially increased now that elective surgeries are resuming across our state, said Sid Lewis, Sr. Director of Donor Recruitment for Vitalant’s Southwest Division.  “Every day, patients continue to depend on blood transfusions for surgery, transplants, cancer treatment and ongoing medical needs.”  Vitalant is Arizona’s largest non-profit community provider responsible for fulfilling 100% of Maricopa County and 90% of statewide blood needs.