Redlands Fire, Police Team Up for Blood Drive

REDLANDS>> The Redlands Fire and Police departments and the Redlands Community Center are partnering with LifeStream for Guns and Hoses, a blood drive and bone marrow screening to be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 8, at the Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Fire engines and specialized police equipment, including the RPD ballistic rescue vehicle will be on display, and donors and non-donors alike are welcome to come meet department members. Walk-in donors are welcome but appointments are recommended to keep the donor lines moving smoothly throughout the day. Appointment times may be reserved at the Redlands Fire Department Administrative offices at 35 Cajon St., Suite 12, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Pre-registrants will be given priority. Donors need to bring photo ID and should be sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation. It is also important to decrease the intake of caffeinated and sugary beverages prior to giving blood as they cause dehydration. LifeStream, formerly the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, was founded as a private, non-profit organization by the medical societies of San Bernardino and Riverside counties in 1951. LifeStream serves more than 50 medical facilities throughout the region and must receive more than 500 donations daily in order to meet emergency and ongoing patient needs in Southern California. For more information, contact LifeStream at 1-800-879-4484 or visit their website at www.lstream.org.