Whether the transfusion is used for a heart surgery patient who requires as many as six units of blood or a trauma victim who may need up to 50 units of red blood cells, taking the time to donate blood could save a life.
Every day local hospitals, including Loma Linda University Medical Center, depend on immediate, significant supplies of blood to treat their patients.
According to Don Escalante, public relations specialist, LifeStream, this need is met because of the many donors who consistently give the gift of blood. 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,” said Escalante. “Type O-negative blood in particular is needed at all times because type-O red blood cells can be given to any patient.”
Do you know your blood type?
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.”
The next scheduled blood drives at Loma Linda University Health are:
Loma Linda University Health (Magan Hall): Tuesday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta (hospital lobby): Wednesday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Donors also receive a free cholesterol screening and are awarded Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed on Lifestream’s online donor store. In addition, those aged 18 to 44 years may register for the Be The Match bone marrow screening at all donor locations.