Blood Especially Needed at United Blood Services Heading Into 4th of July

Source: United Blood Services

The local blood inventory has dipped significantly, so to continue meeting patient needs United Blood Services is aiming to collect at least 2,500 donations throughout the Tri-Counties area by the 4th of July.

Long holiday weekends always make blood collection a challenge, but especially during the summer. Traditionally, the summer is an extremely difficult time to collect blood due to many reasons, including holiday travel by regular blood donors, high schools and colleges out of session – the site of many blood drives, and other factors.

For example, United Blood Services reports that during the 2017 Memorial Day weekend its blood donation total was approximately 10% lower than initially projected at its donor centers in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

All blood types are important, but during this time O negative blood types are specifically needed. As the universal blood donor, O negative blood types can help patients of any blood type, especially during emergency situations.

Donations may be made at the United Blood Services donor centers in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, or numerous community blood drives throughout the Tri-Counties area. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services at 805-543-4290 x “0”; or online at Blood4Life.org. 

All blood donors in July will receive a coupon for a free pint of ice cream from local community partners.

LOCATIONS:

·         Ventura Center – 2223 Eastman Ave. STE A

·         Santa Barbara Center – 4213 State St.

·         Santa Maria Center – 1770 S. Broadway

·         San Luis Obispo Center – 4119 Broad St. #100

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. For more information, please visit unitedbloodservices.org.