LifeStream Calls on "universal donors" for O-negative blood During Shortage

As a nationwide blood shortage continues, LifeStream blood bank has depleted its inventory of O-negative red cells and is calling on the community to help replenish this critical blood component.

O-negative is the “universal donor” and may be accepted by any patient requiring transfusions. Ample supplies are essential to local ER and trauma teams to treat and stabilize patients. But those with O-negative – about 7 percent of the population – can only accept the same type if transfusion needs arise.

Through Sunday, Jan. 21, LifeStream is asking O-negative donors to come to any center or mobile blood drive, give the code “MONG” at registration, and receive a $15 Stater Bros. gift card for a whole-blood donation.

O-negative donors who give a double-red cell donation on January 16, 17, 18 or 21 receive a $10 gas card and the $15 Stater Bros. gift card when giving the code “MONG” at registration.

Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are required for double-red cell donations and may be made by calling 800-879-4484 or going to LStream.org.

LifeStream centers 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. Sunday.

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

Ontario, 1959 Fourth St.: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday; 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 Center Drive: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

For locations of convenient mobile blood drives, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.

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

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.

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