A critical blood shortage has emerged as the nation reopens from COVID-19 restrictions. Blood supplies for LifeStream blood bank, the provider of blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals, are at their lowest level since the pandemic began, with less than half a day’s supply of blood available. In response to the desperate need for blood, LifeStream is issuing an emergency appeal for blood donations for all blood types, especially type O negative, O positive, and platelet donors.
Blood drive will be held at two locations in Yucca Valley: on Wednesday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the East (new) Stater Bros. shopping center (58060 Twentynine Palms Hwy.) and on Thursday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West (old) Stater Bros. shopping center (57075 Twentynine Palms Hwy.) Donors will receive a free cholesterol screening, a COVID-19 antibodies test, and incentives. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. All donors must wear a mask and submit to a COVID-19 screening. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-TRY-GIVING.
