LifeStream Blood Bank is Appealing to Community Residents

LifeStream blood bank is appealing to community residents to respond to a shortage of blood available on local hospital shelves by setting aside as little as one hour to make a potentially lifesaving blood donation. The situation locally mirrors the nationwide shortage of donated blood. All blood types and all types of blood donations – whole blood or automated donations known as apheresis – are needed. Only voluntary donors can assist when blood is needed for surgeries, to treat cancer patients, to assist accident, trauma and burn victims; for women giving birth; or prematurely born babies. Walk-ins are welcome at all LifeStream donor centers and convenient mobile drives; however, appointments are suggested and may be made by calling 800-879- 4484 or visiting LStream.org. Appointments are required for apheresis donations (platelets, plasma or double red cell)at LifeStream donor centers. Local LifeStream fixed-site locations and hours: 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 (at Garfield): 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. Donors must be at least 15 years of age (15 and 16-year-olds require a signed parental consent form available at all drive sites), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Photo ID is required. Donors should maintain their regular meal schedules and increase fluid intake (water is best) in the 24 hours prior to donating. LifeStream is a local, nonprofit blood center that provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals.