Blood shortage prompts urgent call for donors across Coachella Valley

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  - The American Red Cross is warning of a severe blood shortage and urging eligible donors to give now, as winter illnesses, holiday travel and fewer appointments strain supplies needed for lifesaving care across Southern California and the Coachella Valley.

The American Red Cross, which serves more than 100 hospitals in Southern California, said delays in donations could affect patients who rely on transfusions for surgeries, cancer treatments and emergency care.

The shortage is being felt locally.

LifeStream Blood Bank, which supplies blood to Desert Regional Medical Center and other hospitals in the Coachella Valley, said it is in need of donors following the holiday season.

"We are in critical need of donors with O-negative, A negative and B-negative blood, which is currently sitting at less than three days worth of supply on hand," Michael Shepherd with LifeStream Blood Bank said.

Health officials stress that even a single donation can have a significant impact.

“Just one donation can help 3 patients,” Shepherd said. “If you have a family member, friend or loved one awaiting a transfusion necessary for surgery, having sufficient quantities of blood for the medical team can mean life or death, depending on the procedure required."

LifeStream is encouraging donors to visit its centers in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta or donate at a mobile blood drive this weekend at Ruth Hardy Park during the Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival.

The American Red Cross is also urging eligible donors to make an appointment as soon as possible.

As an incentive, donors who give through Jan. 25 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Super Bowl LX, while those who donate between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full story at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.