Urgent Call Goes Out For Blood In SWR As Supplies Hit Bottom

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — An Inland Empire blood bank said Tuesday that stocks are running critically low, with an urgent need for one particular blood type, prompting the nonprofit to request that prospective donors consider giving as soon as they can for the benefit of area trauma centers.

According to LifeStream representatives, supplies have dropped steadily this summer, leaving the blood bank with less than a one-day supply of O-positive blood.

"The supply has reached dangerously low levels that could potentially affect patient well-being," said spokesman Don Escalante. "LifeStream is urging community residents to come forward to make a difference to patients in need. The shortage places our loved ones, friends, neighbors and colleagues at risk."

Escalante noted that the donation process can be expedited if prospective donors use the "ExpressPass" link on the LStream.org website. After a brief questionnaire is completed, the donor can submit it and then be admitted without delay to a collection site, according to Escalante.

The Riverside donation center at 4006 Van Buren Blvd. is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The La Quinta donation center at 79-215 Corporate Center Drive is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.

The Murrieta donation center is at 40365 Murrieta Hot Springs Road and is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with hours of operation set from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday only, and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

LifeStream, which has been in operation since the early 1950s, provides blood products to more than 80 medical facilities, according to Escalante.

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock