The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians hosted three blood drives this month to support public health efforts in partnership with The American Red Cross and LifeStream Blood Bank at the Bear Springs Events Center. These three blood drives resulted in the collection of more than 130 units of blood.
“San Manuel has always been an incredible partner in our disaster response efforts, locally and across the nation,” said Yevette Baysinger, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of San Bernardino. “San Manuel’s blood drive showcases another vital way they continue to support the Red Cross mission. Thanks to San Manuel’s blood drive, patients will be able to receive the lifesaving blood they need.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. One blood donation can save up to three lives. Due to the success of the first blood drive with The American Red Cross on April 6, another has been scheduled for May 14, 2020.
In partnership with LifeStream, two blood drives were held on April 10 and on April 23, 2020, where more than 80 pints of blood were collected. “We’re grateful to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for hosting LifeStream at this unprecedented time,” said Rick Axelrod, MD, LifeStream’s president/CEO and medical director. “We value our partnership with the Tribe and look forward to continuing working toward our shared goal of community well-being.” A third blood drive with LifeStream is scheduled for May 5, 2020.
Thanks to the many who have given blood and scheduled upcoming appointments, the Red Cross and LifeStream have been able to meet immediate patient needs. During this uncertain time, individuals are encouraged to keep scheduled blood donation appointments and to make new blood donation appointments for the weeks ahead to ensure a steady supply throughout this pandemic.
If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling LifeStream at 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.
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