LifeStream asking locals to donate blood to help with nationwide shortage

LifeStream Blood Bank is asking local residents to donate blood to help stem a nationwide blood shortage.

According to BloodBank, the shortage is in effect because of “lower-than-anticipated collection during the holiday season.”

The shortage has worsened because of the deep freeze conditions around the country and the number of potential blood users having the flu or flu-like symptoms.

“We’re impacted by that national shortage in a sense that we actually get 30 percent of our blood components from out of our state now. That reservoir has dried up and is putting us in a very challenging situation,” said Kevin Moore, Vice President of Operations for LifeStream.

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.

The LifeStream in La Quinta, located on Corporate Centre Drive is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. They are also open Sunday by appointment.

You can also find a schedule of mobile blood bank locations here or call 800-879-4484.