LifeStream Appeals to Onegative Blood Donors

By: Don Escalante

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

iStock

Photo Description:

Those with O-negative blood type are universal donors, whose blood donation can be accepted by any patient in need.

LifeStream blood bank is appealing to local residents with O-negative blood to help combat a nationwide shortage. O-negative, present in about 7 percent of the population, is the “universal donor” for red blood cells can be accepted by any patient, making it extremely valued in times of emergencies. But it’s also notable that those with O-negative blood only can be transfused with O-negative. O-negative donors who make a whole-blood donation now through July 3 at a LifeStream donor center or mobile drive receive a $10 gas card; those who make a double red cell donation receive a $15 gas card. To set an appointment or locate nearby drive locations, call 800-879-4484 or go to LStream.org. Locations and hours for LifeStream donor centers follow: San Bernardino, 384 W. Orange Show Road: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Riverside, 4006 Van Buren Blvd.: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Ontario, 1959 E. Fourth St.: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Victorville, 12520 Business Center Drive, Bldg. G: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. La Quinta, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. LifeStream provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals.