Blood Bank of Alaska is pleased to announce our first Seward blood drive in our new LIFEmobile July 2 and 3. The new mobile unit, which will assist in collecting blood donations statewide, is customized with screening rooms, phlebotomy chairs, a cantina area and artwork.

The drive will be held July 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hotel Edgewater. Alaska’s blood supply is dangerously low with a less than one-day supply available statewide. Although Alaska’s need for blood increases in the summer because of increased activity and travel, blood donation rates take a significant plunge. This situation leaves Alaskans at the mercy of Lower 48 blood banks. Please call (907) 222-5630 to schedule an appointment.

The new coach arrived in Alaska after a 5000 mile journey from Tampa to Tok. It was unveiled at an open-house at the Copper River Health Fair in Glennallen, May 10. It will host drives in Fairbanks, Seward and Wasilla. The new LIFEmobile is a 2007 Blue Bird Bus. It is 40 feet long, has a 6 cylinder Cummins 6.7 engine and a 60 gallon fuel tank.

The new coach has hosted more than 33 blood drives since May 16, allowing Blood Bank of Alaska to collect hundreds of pints of blood. Between now and the end of the year, the new coach will complete more than 130 drives statewide, collecting an estimated 2500 pints of blood. Mat-Su Health Foundation, BP, First National Bank Alaska, Combined Federal Campaign, First American Title, The Rasmusen Foundation, and the Safeway-Carrs Employee Giving Campaign have made contributions to help offset the coach’s purchase price of more than $200,000. (END)