Summer’s here, and so is trauma season at UCHealth.
The health care system sees more accidents and injuries as people enjoy more adventurous — and sometimes risky — outdoor activities. The system’s regular blood donors also head out on summer vacations, leaving UCHealth’s Garth Englund Blood Center in greater need.
The blood donation center’s Fort Collins location hosted a “Day of Giving” event June 13 to garner interest in blood donation and celebrate World Blood Donor Day, which is June 14.
“If you have 30 minutes to spare, donate blood to save a life,” said Joseph Dunn, a UCHealth blood donor recruiter. “All of our blood stays in Colorado, so the life you save might be your neighbor’s.”
UCHealth collected around 14,000 units of donated blood in Northern Colorado in 2024 and is on pace to hit or exceed that number in 2025, according to Kristen Mohr, a community health educator for the Garth Englund Blood Center.
In other health care news: 2 new UCHealth clinics staffed with former Village Medical providers open
UCHealth’s “Day of Giving” event featured informational booths from the University of Colorado’s Biobank, the National Marrow Donor Program and Colorado State University’s veterinary blood bank, which is also in need of pet donors.
Stacey Cooper, who works for the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, donated blood to UCHealth for the first time at the June 13 event. Her dog, Cora, sat by her side.
The 5-year-old golden retriever is no stranger to the blood donation process. She started donating to CSU’s veterinary blood bank three years ago. Her next appointment is in July, Cooper said.
When she tells others about Cora donating blood, “it surprises people,” Cooper said. “But, of course, animals need blood, too.”
How to donate blood in Northern Colorado
To see if you’re eligible to donate blood to UCHealth, visit the UCHealth Garth Englund Blood Center website or call the center at 970-495-8965.
See if your pet is an eligible blood donor
CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is in need of dog blood donors. Donors receive free blood typing, annual blood work and infectious disease screening, as well as free flea and tick prevention and free pet food with every donation. Ideal dog candidates meet the following requirements:
1-8 years old when entering the blood donor program.
Up to date on recommended core vaccinations.
Have never received a blood or plasma transfusion.
The university also has a cat blood donor program. To learn more about pet blood donation and whether your dog or cat would be good candidates, visit CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital website, fill out an online form or email vth_bloodbank@colostate.edu.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: How to donate blood in Northern Colorado