Lifestream Blood Drive Gives Back

On Monday Oct. 5, members of the Yucaipa community participated in LifeStream blood drive at Stater Brothers. According to LifeStream, blood is used and needed every day for surgery patients, cancer patients, accident victims, bone marrow recipients, burn patients and organ transplant recipients. However, while thirty-seven percent of the national population is able to donate blood, only five percent do. “More people psych themselves out more than anything else," commented Phlebotomist Louis Garcia. "It's people’s personal perception of what they imagine the process to be verses what it actually entails.” Staff members are able to find a rhythm in the donation process to make things as easy for donors, according to Phlebotomist Cat Ingram who has worked with LifeStream for 10 years. RN Marci Hamilton explained that the blood donation process takes between 45 minutes to an hour. The organization sends buses to local communities each day making blood donation easier for those who cannot travel to the centers. After registering and filling-out paperwork, donors partake in a physical which entails receiving their blood pressure, temperature, and iron count, along with further screening. Donors are then able to give blood, followed by enjoying healthy snacks, juice, and water at the canteen before departure. The event on Oct. 5 oversaw dedicated members from the community, including Senior Delfina Perez who made her fifth donation for community service hours at Yucaipa High school. Perez, who has averaged two donations per year, shared, “It doesn’t hurt as bad as you think. By one donation, you can help three adults or eight babies. It’s a good feeling donating.” Long time donors, such as Judy Campbell, shared similar sentiments with Perez. “To help people, it gives you a good feeling. You can maybe save a life with your blood donation.” Campbell was on her 77th donation with a goal to reach 80 pints or the equivalent of 10 gallons of blood. During her years of blood donation, she has only gone to LifeStream. “They are convenient and always come out near where I live,” she said. Karen Contreas, another long time donor, gave her 127th blood donation. She started giving blood donations 38 years ago, despite her fear of receiving shots. “I told myself this was more important than a shot,” Contreas said. “The technicians do the best that they can to keep it as painless as possible which is something I appreciate since I still don’t like getting shots.” Mike McFeeley, another donor, added, “It’s painless, fast, and helps a lot of people. They do a lot of different things with the blood.” Those who donated blood at the event were given free tickets to the upcoming San Bernardino Air festival on Saturday Oct. 17. Additionally, donors were entered in the LifeStream raffle for a four-pack of Knott's Scary Farm tickets. Donors and Phlebotomists shared their passion and a common belief in the power of giving through blood donation. “Anything helps," said staff member Brandon Mayo. "Whether its blood, plasma or registering bone marrow, it is something. You never know someone else’s situation. Giving a little at a time can mean the world to someone else. It can be somebody’s second chance.”