Valleywide Blood Drive Triples Typical Daily Donations
A valleywide blood drive backed by Gulf California Broadcast stations CBS Local 2, KESQ and KUNA spurred hundreds to roll up their sleeves to help first responders Wednesday.
LifeStream reported Thursday that 218 people donated blood in locations including Palm Springs and La Quinta, triple their usual daily intake.
Members of local law enforcement joined the hundreds of others who said they heard about the drive on television and radio, and saw shares and mentions on social media.
“As a Palm Springs resident, I take particular pride in our community coming forward with such enthusiasm at this critical time to assist local hospitals and the patients they serve,” said Rick Axelrod, MD, LifeStream’s president, CEO and medical director.
“We are grateful and appreciative for the participation and support of Mayor Moon and other local political leaders, our first responders, and the local media in creating awareness and mobilizing interest in our community.
“In particular, I wish to thank Brooke Beare, CBS Local 2 news anchor, and the Gulf-California Broadcast Company. Brooke was the driving force behind this Valley-wide effort, galvanizing the public, contacting local elected and business leaders to enlist their support, and asking Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) to join the effort by hosting a drive.
“The reward for everyone involved is that blood collected Wednesday will assist between 400 and 500 patients.”
The blood drawn Wednesday is unlikely to go to victims of the Orlando tragedy because the Coachella Valley currently faces a blood shortage. The area’s three local hospitals use roughly 500 units of blood daily, and 2,000 more units are needed to provide sufficient supply over the summer.
LifeStream’s La Quinta Donor Center, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive, is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are suggested and take priority; appointments may be made by calling 800-879-4484 or visiting LStream.org.
“Every donation counts; every one makes a difference,” said Axelrod. “Each of us is empowered with the gift to save a life. Please continue to share that gift so that our community can and will make up the deficit we face to ensure that no surgery is canceled, no cancer treatment is delayed, no accident, trauma or burn victim is turned away.”
Friday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lowe’s, 35900 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert.
Friday, June 17, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Palm Springs Motors, 69-200 Highway 111, Cathedral City.
Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Legion Post 519, N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs.
California Gulf Broadcast Company also plans to hold a mobile blood drive at its studios in Thousand Palms in July.
