Deadly blizzards and unsafe road conditions in the Rockies and Upper Midwest are having the additional negative effect of putting further pressure on an already dangerously low Southern California blood supply.
Blood donation centers in Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota have lost hundreds of anticipated blood donations due to the storms. These centers typically help LifeStream Blood Bank replenish red cell supply when its inventory is low – as is now the case.
“These locations are having their own inventories depleted and will be in no position to assist us for an indefinite period, even after they’re up and running again,” said Rick Axelrod, MD, LifeStream’s president, CEO and medical director.
“It’s time for us to step up and help our own. We’ve got the population, I think we’ve got the heart, too. Please donate as soon as possible to help make sure surgeries and cancer treatments can go forward as planned, and that our hospitals can be prepared for emergencies.”
Group O blood donations are the most urgently needed; however, all blood donation types and blood types are welcomed.
Donors must be at least 15 years of age (15- and 16-year-olds require a signed parental consent form; the form is available at all LifeStream locations and at LStream.org); weigh at least 110 pounds, present current photo ID, and be in good health.
The blood donation process is faster and more convenient than ever when donors – the day of donation – go to LStream.org and click on “ExpressPass.” Required paperwork may be reviewed and the donor questionnaire completed before the donor arrives at the collection site.
Walk-ins are welcome at all LifeStream donor centers and mobile drives. Fixed-site locations and hours follow:
- San Bernardino, 384 W. Orange Show Road: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday; 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday; and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
- Riverside, 4006 Van Buren Blvd.: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Ontario, 1959 E. Fourth St.: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday; 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Sunday.
- Victorville, 12520 Business Center Drive, Bldg. G: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily except Thursday, when hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- La Quinta, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily except Wednesday, when hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Murrieta, 40365 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
For locations of nearby mobile drives, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.
LifeStream provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals. For more information, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.