LifeStream, an Inland Blood Bank, is asking for blood donations from all people who can give because their blood supplies have been nearly depleted, and those donors who give regularly may have contracted the flu virus which makes it impossible for the donation center to accept any blood from anyone with this kind of illness. Spokesman Don Esclante has been reported as saying that San Bernardino-based LifeStream is down to one-day supply of O-negative, O-positive, and B-positive blood as of last week. That is the approximate amount needed to supply about 80 Southern California hospitals for their daily needs. Because of the flu epidemic, it has affected the number of both donors and available blood. The demand has risen during the winter months, as always, not to just one issue or another. There is always a steady need for blood for unexpected emergencies and unexpected multiple injuries due to vehicular accidents. Two of the local walk-in centers for donations are:
San Bernardino: 348 West Orange Show Road, Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays, 8:30 am to 4 pm, Sunday
Riverside: 4006 Van Buren Blvd, Hours: 9 am to 6:30 pm, Monday, 7:30 am to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 am to 3 pm, Saturday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, Sunday
For more information you can contact: 800-879-4484 or LStream.org