LifeStream Blood Bank, an independent blood bank that provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals, echoes the recent joint statement issued by AABB, America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and American Red Cross (ARC) regarding the perilous state of the nation’s blood supply.
In part, the statement reads: “Blood centers nationwide have reported declines in blood collections in recent weeks. Some have reported their lowest donor turnout in more than a year. These trends are concerning, as both patients and blood centers depend on the altruism of donors to ensure that blood is available for life-saving treatments.”
“Unfortunately, those words pertain to LifeStream, the Inland Empire and all Southern California,” said Rick Axelrod, MD, LifeStream’s president/CEO and medical director. “To put it bluntly, unless the local shortage is addressed, local patients are at risk of not receiving life-saving and other critically needed treatments.
“We join AABB, ABC and ARC in urging eligible, healthy individuals to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now,” Dr. Axelrod said.
LifeStream has nine fixed-site donor centers (San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario, Victorville, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Placentia, La Quinta, and Rancho Mirage) and conducts mobile drives throughout the region 7 days per week.
“Donor safety remains our top priority,” Dr. Axelrod added. “Throughout the pandemic, there has not been a single known case of COVID-19 transmission between donor and LifeStream staff member, or vice versa.
“We also want to get out the word that those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 may donate blood – there is no deferral period – as long as they meet all standard donation requirements.”
Donors must be at least 15 years of age (15- and 16-year-olds require a signed parental consent form; the form is at LStream.org and at all LifeStream locations), weigh at least 115 pounds, provide current photo ID and feel well.
For more information and to set an appointment, call 800-TRY GIVING or go to LStream.org.
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