Moreno Valley Mall Takes Major Step

Moreno Valley-area residents soon will have a consistent, convenient location to regularly give the gift of life, including platelet donations to assist cancer patients and others battling blood diseases. Effective Friday, June 7, the Moreno Valley Mall, 22500 Town Circle, and LifeStream Blood Bank will partner on twice-monthly blood drives. Drives will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month on the mall’s second level, next to La Michoacana. “We look forward to partnering with LifeStream to make this important endeavor a reality,” said Tracie Plefka, the mall’s general manager. “Being able to open our doors to the community in this manner solidifies our desire to remain an integral part of the Moreno Valley community and its continued growth.” “We’re appreciative of mall management allowing us to regularly access this space,” said Adam Botello, LifeStream regional development coordinator. “This ‘semi-permanent’ fixed site will allow local residents to donate whole blood, or to make more frequent platelets or plasma donations without having to travel to our closest centers in Riverside or San Bernardino. “Now, nearby blood donors can maximize their effectiveness in assisting patients while minimizing their time in doing so.” Whole blood may be donated once every 56 days. Platelets, which need continuous replenishment due to a brief (5 days) shelf life, may be donated twice monthly, aligning with the new Moreno Valley Mall drive schedule. Plasma donations may be made monthly.