LifeStream Calls for Help During Nationwide Blood Shortage

LifeStream blood bank is putting out an urgent call to action for local residents to help stem a nationwide blood shortage aggravated by continuing deep freeze conditions in much of the country.

There also is a shortage of blood products in California owing to lower-than-anticipated collection during the holiday season and the number of potential blood donors unable to give due to having the flu or flu-like symptoms.

All blood types and donation types are needed. Walk-ins are accepted at all LifeStream centers; appointments may be made by calling 800-879-4484 or visiting LStream.org.

LifeStream donor center locations and hours follow:

San Bernardino, 384 W. Orange Show Road: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Riverside, 4006 Van Buren Blvd.: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Ontario, 1959 W. Fourth St.: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Victorville, 12520 Business Center Drive, Bldg. G: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

La Quinta, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; Sunday by appointment.

LifeStream also hosts mobile drives daily; for locations call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.

Donors must be at least 15 years of age (those under 18 require a signed parental consent form); weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well, and present current photo ID. Donors should maintain their regular meal schedules and increase their fluid intake (water is best) in the 24 hours prior to donating.

LifeStream is a local, nonprofit blood center that provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals.

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