RIVERSIDE (CNS) – A blood drive is planned for next week in multiple communities in western Riverside County in an attempt by the LifeStream blood bank to replenish its critically low stocks.
The drive is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. Monday in the parking lot of the San Jacinto Moose Lodge, 188 W. Main St.
The site will be open for four hours, and each donation will require 45 to 60 minutes of a donor’s time, officials said.
“Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime,” according to LifeStream.
The second donation clinic is scheduled for Tuesday at Calimesa Tractor Supply, 1060 Calimesa Blvd. from noon-4 p.m.
The third clinic is slated for Jan. 28 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at Riverside Community Hospital, 4445 Magnolia Ave.
The fourth clinic is set for Jan. 29 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Farmer Boys restaurant, 1201 Sanderson Ave., in Hemet.
The final clinic is scheduled Jan. 30 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Menifee Town Center, 30125 Antelope Road.
Donors must be at least 15 years old, and anyone under 17 must have parental consent, officials said. Mini physical exams will be required before a donation can proceed.
Prospective donors can make appointments by calling 800-879-4484.
LifeStream CEO Dr. Rick Axelrod has been sounding the alarm about depleted supplies since September, and in December, said the shortage had reached a point where surgeries were being postponed.
“This is a national crisis, and we are unable to receive help from other blood centers,” Axelrod said.
More information about donations is available at www.lstream.org/sos.
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