LifeStream Critical Blood Shortage June 16, 2021 General blood donation, blood shortage, LifeStream 0 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 16, 2021 DOWNLOAD PDF COPY OF PRESS RELEASE LifeStream experiencing extreme blood shortage Community is ill-prepared to support hospital patients. LifeStream Blood Bank, the provider of blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals, is experiencing an extreme blood shortage. As the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic era, the need for blood donations is more urgent than ever. Hospitals are reporting an increased need for blood yet, our blood bank shelves are at their lowest level since the pandemic began. We are urging the public to help turn this situation around because our entire community is at risk. LifeStream issued an emergency appeal for blood donations for all blood types, especially type O negative, O positive, and platelet donors. LifeStream currently has less than a half day’s supply of blood, fewer than 200 units, available for the hospitals we serve. Without enough blood on the shelves, patient care is at risk. Blood shortages mean medical procedures, like surgeries and cancer treatments, may need to be delayed. The problem of low blood donations is occurring across the country. Blood industry groups, including the AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are sounding the alarm in a joint statement issued this week. We need the entire community’s help to ensure a safe and sustainable blood supply. The time to act is now. Make a difference today and donate blood. Call us toll-free at 1 800 TRY GIVING (1-800-879-4484) OR visit us at LStream.org to schedule your appointment or arrange a blood drive with your local community, business, church or community organization. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome at all locations. Donors must be at least 15 years of age (15- and 16-year-olds require a signed parental consent form; the form is available at all LifeStream locations) weigh at least 115 pounds, present current photo ID, and be in good health. Comments are closed.
