Whether the accident happens at 3:00 p.m. or 2:30 a.m., emergency department doors of Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda or Murrieta open and doctors and nurses immediately act, provide lifesaving care.
A multi-car freeway accident may result in several families dependent on blood donations made in the previous days to save their loved one, or a parent or grandparent rushed into emergency heart surgery will need blood that has been supplied by LifeStream donors.
Donors also provide blood needed for lifesaving transfusions for children battling cancer.
“Please give blood with LifeStream so others in our community in need can be cared for and comforted,” says Don Escalante, public relations specialist, LifeStream.
The next scheduled blood drives at Loma Linda University Health are:
Loma Linda University Health (Magan Hall): Tuesday, Sept. 13, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta (hospital lobby): Wednesday, Sept. 14, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
According to Escalante, donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
While all blood types and donation types are needed, “We always keep our eye specifically on the blood type O-negative and platelet supply,” says Escalante. “Type O-negative blood in particular is needed at all times because type-O red blood cells can be given to any patient.”
Donors receive a card four to six weeks after their first donation on which their blood type is listed. “From that point forward, the card serves as ID each time they give blood with LifeStream,” says Escalante, “and it also is valuable to have on their person in the event they need an emergency transfusion.”