Imperial Valley Faces Critical Blood Shortage: Community Urged to Donate
Imperial Valley is currently grappling with a severe shortage of blood supply, prompting an urgent call for assistance from LifeStream Blood Bank. As the summer months place heightened demands on the region's blood resources, Dr. Rick Axelrod, President/CEO & Medical Director of LifeStream, has issued a heartfelt plea for eligible residents to come forward and donate both whole blood and platelets.
The shortage is particularly impacting patients in the local community who are battling cancer. Platelets, a crucial component in cancer treatment, are urgently needed to sustain these individuals through their therapies. Approximately 50% of the platelet inventory is directed towards cancer patients, underlining the vital role they play in medical care.
To address the pressing demand, LifeStream Blood Bank aims to recruit 150 platelet donors by the looming deadline of Monday, August 7. The urgency is further underscored by the short shelf life of platelets, lasting just five to seven days. This necessitates a swift and consistent influx of platelet donations to ensure an ample supply for the community.
Dr. Axelrod emphasized the collective responsibility of the community in these trying times, stating, "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. Please, we ask anyone who is able to donate blood to make a lifesaving appointment. Only one hour of your time can save three lives with a single blood donation."
Incentives have been introduced to encourage potential donors to step up and make a difference. Platelet donors who contribute through Monday, August 7, will receive a $25 e-gift card, along with triple entry into a sweepstakes for a chance to win two tickets to Taylor Swift’s concert on August 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Double red cell donors will be rewarded with double entry into the sweepstakes.
For those interested in contributing, eligibility requirements can be found at lstream.org/about-donating/who-can-donate. All healthy individuals with a current photo ID are urged to participate. While walk-ins are welcome, scheduling an appointment is highly recommended for smoother proceedings. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 879-4484 or visiting LStream.org.
Serving the Imperial Valley region, LifeStream Blood Bank is a pillar of support for the community. By rallying together and answering the call to donate, residents of Imperial Valley can help ensure that critical medical needs are met during this challenging period. Your contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to make a life-saving impact on your neighbors and friends.