Wednesday, August 09, 2006

San Bernardino & Riverside County Blood Bank Face Critical Shortages!!

Blood Bank faces critical shortages



The Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties has been providing an invaluable service to local residents for the past 55 years. The private, non-profit organization, which was founded by the medical societies of the two counties, collects blood donations that save the lives of patients throughout the Inland Empire. Many Fontana residents have given large amounts of their blood in order to help others over the past half-century.

Unfortunately, the community blood supply is now at an all-time low, according to Joseph W. Dunn, the Blood Bank's executive vice president and chief operating officer. Under present conditions, surgeries may need to be canceled and several hospitals are on a waiting list. That's why area residents of all blood types, and especially Type O, are urged to donate blood as soon as possible.

AS AN ADDED incentive for giving "the gift of life," the Blood Bank is holding an Orange Show Speedway Drivers' Relief Blood Drive throughout the month of August. Any person who makes a donation at one of the Blood Bank donor centers will receive a certificate for one adult admission to a night of racing during the 2006 season at the Orange Show Speedway. Each participant will also receive a Blood Bank travel mug featuring patient stories.

The donor centers are located at:

-- San Bernardino, 384 West Orange Show Road

-- Riverside, 4006 Van Buren Boulevard


-- High Desert, 11941 Hesperia Road, Hesperia

-- Ontario, 1959 East Fourth Street

-- Community Blood Donor Center, 1148 San Bernardino Road, Suite 203, Upland.

Healthy individuals who are at least 17 years of age are encouraged to donate blood. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. While helping patients, donors receive a free mini-physical. Donating blood takes about one hour and gives someone a lifetime.

For more information or to schedule a lifesaving appointment, call the Blood Bank at 1-800-879-4484.



Copyright © 2006 Fontana Herald News Tel: (909)822-2231

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