LifeStream in Need of Donations
LifeStream Blood Bank, which supplies blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals, is undergoing a severe decline in blood donations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last two weeks, 80 LifeStream blood drives at schools, businesses and government offices have been cancelled, resulting in a loss of about 5,000 pints of blood expected to be collected.
“The COVID-19 public health crisis is already impacting the local and national blood supply,” said Joe Chaffin, MD, LifeStream’s chief medical officer. “It is absolutely crucial that blood donors continue to donate to help us make sure enough blood is available for patients who need it.”
Donate Now
LifeStream will be at the Beaumont Chamber, located at 726 Beaumont Ave, on the following dates:
- March 31
- April 1
- April 7
- April 8
All LifeStream donor centers (San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario, Victorville, Murrieta, Moreno Valley, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage) are open regular hours. Healthy individuals are urged to call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org to set an appointment; walk-ins are welcome.
“LifeStream donor centers and mobile drives are not large social gatherings that local and state officials are recommending be closed,” said Dr. Chaffin. “They are tightly controlled environments designed to keep donors safe. LifeStream follows FDA-regulated procedures, and our staff adheres to rigorous safety protocols."
LifeStream requests individuals not donate blood if they have visited countries at highest risk of transmission of COVID-19 within the past 28 days, have had a COVID-19 infection, been directly exposed to someone suspected of having a COVID-19 infection, or if they want a test for the virus (as blood banks do not test for the virus that causes COVID-19).
For more information call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.