How To Help Banning's County's Blood Shortage: RivCo Donors Sought

BANNING, CA — If you're a registered blood donor in Banning and Beaumont, chances are you've gotten a call to donate blood from Life Stream or the Red Cross.

Blood banks across the Inland Empire are scrambling to find donors. LifeStream has experienced a recent supply deficit that's complicating efforts to treat cancer patients and others in need of transfusions, the organization announced this week.

"The summer months have put an enormous strain on the community's blood supply," LifeStream CEO Dr. Rick Axelrod said. "All eligible donors are needed now. Platelets are especially important, as adults and children with cancer need frequent platelet transfusions as part of their treatments. About 50% of hospital platelet inventory goes to cancer patients."

LifeStream provides products to more than 80 hospitals throughout Southern California. They have donation centers in Hemet, La Quinta, Murrieta, Rancho Mirage and Riverside, with additional sites in San Bernardino County, as well as mobile clinics.

"It's not just platelets that are needed," Axelrod said. "Our whole blood inventory has also taken a huge hit this summer. Our appointment numbers are not where they need to be to fulfill hospital orders." LifeStream has been contending with lean supplies, especially type O blood types and platelets, since last year.

"We ask anyone who is able to donate blood to make a lifesaving appointment," Axelrod said. "Only one hour of your time can save three lives with a single blood donation."

LifeStream's donor appointment line is 800-879-4484. Appointments can also be made online via www.LStream.org. Prospective donors must be at least 15 years old, and anyone under 17 must have parental consent.

Mini-physical exams will be required before a donation can proceed.