Officials at LifeStream Blood Bank, which provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals, are urging residents to help the community battle back against a severe blood shortage.
Currently, there is less than a one-day supply of red blood cells available, and several area hospitals have no type O red blood cells on their shelves. This national crisis has area hospitals unable to receive help from other blood centers.
Currently, LifeStream has a hospital with four patients waiting on surgeries because of the blood shortage. Hospitals will most likely have to cancel elective surgeries and may not have enough blood for severe traumas. Blood donors may give regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
For the safety of staff and donors, LifeStream requires face coverings for all and continues to observe social distancing guidelines and enforces strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols. LifeStream has fixed-site centers in San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario, Victorville, La Quinta, Murrieta, Rancho Mirage, Moreno Valley, and Placentia, and conducts mobile blood drives throughout its service area seven days per week.
To make an appointment, call 1-800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.
