Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) – the Bay Area’s blood center – has several sister blood centers in the Gulf Coast region and is preparing to send blood as soon as it’s requested.
“The Bay Area normally relies on other parts of the country, including the Gulf Coast region, for 20% of its blood,” said Lisa Bloch, director of communications for BCP. “Unfortunately, the Labor Day holiday often brings serious blood shortages here. If local blood donors answer the call, we can boost blood donations and be in a better position to help our sister blood centers in the affected regions.”
National blood banking officials today determined that blood supplies and current inventory levels are meeting hospital needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which continue to affect Gulf Coast and other southern states. However, there is concern that future supplies may dwindle because blood has a shelf life of only 42 days.
The need for blood will be ongoing, especially over the next few weeks, as disaster victims require additional care, as deferred elective surgeries are rescheduled, or if there should be any further emergencies.
To donate blood, call 888-393-GIVE or visit www.bloodcenters.org.
Blood Centers of the Pacific is a nonprofit organization that provides volunteer blood donations to 41 hospitals, including all San Francisco hospitals.
Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch, (415) 749-6612
A Bay Area resident whose life was saved by anonymous blood donors got the opportunity to meet and thank some of her actual blood donors. This rare opportunity – dubbed a “patient-blood donors reunion” – was held on Wednesday, August 24th at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco.
This event was particularly timely, as the Bay Area has been facing one of its longest blood shortages in 10 years.
Meghan Daily was a sophomore in college when she needed almost 1,000 units of donated blood after she was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. Treated at Kaiser Walnut Creek, Meghan was in the hospital for three months fighting for her life.
“I received 987 units of blood components during my treatment,” said Meghan, who ironically, ran a blood drive her senior year at Miramonte High school in Orinda. “If there weren’t 987 people to give blood, I wouldn’t be alive right now.”
Meghan, now 23, lives and works on the Peninsula and is completely healthy. She was thrilled by the chance to meet her “angels,” as she calls them. Meghan also used this occasion to illustrate the tremendous need for more blood donors, as well as the miraculous power of donated blood.
“With blood supplies running dangerously low this summer, I’m hoping this event underscored the fact that anyone, anywhere, anytime, can need blood,” commented Meghan. “Thankfully, the blood was there for me, but I’m concerned it won’t be there for others.”
Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch
(415) 749-6612
Northern California’s largest blood bank - Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) – is asking for immediate blood donations to boost critically low blood supplies. While blood shortages during the summer are not uncommon, blood bank officials are reporting that this is the longest running shortage in 10 years.
In response to the critical shortage, BCP is rationing blood to the 41 hospitals it supplies blood to.
Worsening the situation is the fact that BCP has been unable to receive the normal amount of imported shipments of blood from other regions, due to a nationwide shortage of blood. Normally, 20% of the Bay Area’s blood supply is imported from outside the region, often from other states.
“Of particular concern at this time is our ability to support complex procedures like organ transplants that can require a lot of blood,” said Lisa Bloch, spokesperson for BCP. “The Bay Area has some of the best medical treatment in the world but many lifesaving procedures can’t take place without donated blood.”
To help entice blood donors, BCP has launched a “Pint for a Pint” promotion. During the month of August, all BCP blood donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream.
BCP is a non profit organization that provides volunteer blood donations to 41 hospitals throughout Northern California, including all San Francisco hospitals.
To donate blood, call 888-393-GIVE or visit www.bloodcenters.org.
Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch
(415) 749-6612
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting a blood drive to pay tribute to the Bay Area’s blood donors – and to encourage more people to give the gift of life.
The blood drive will take place aboard Blood Centers of the Pacific’s bloodmobiles at the 49ers Training Facility in Santa Clara on Wednesday, June 1 from 12pm to 6pm.
Players and cheerleaders will be on hand to show their support and all blood donors will receive a one-of-a-kind 49ers T-shirt, food and a chance to win a 49ers memorabilia in a raffle.
“We’re thrilled to partner once again with the 49ers for this biannual event,” said Dr. Nora Hirschler, President of Blood Centers of the Pacific. “The 49ers’ support provides a much-needed boost to our region’s blood supply.”
To make an appointment to donate blood at the drive or for more info, call 650-279-1730.
Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch
(415) 749-6612
United States Representative Lynn Woolsey will visit Blood Centers of the Pacific’s (BCP) Marin Blood Center to thank blood donors and to highlight the need for more of these community heroes during National Blood Donor Month and all year long.
The Congresswoman’s visit – on Wednesday, January 12th – comes at a critical time, as blood centers’ supplies are running dangerously low. Following the winter holidays, blood supplies are greatly depleted and officials are urging residents to donate blood at their nearest center.
Bay Area hospitals require more than 800 donated pints of blood each day for area patients, yet less than 4% of those eligible to give blood actually do.
BCP’s Marin Blood Center has been providing the critical link between those who donate blood and the patients who require this lifesaving gift for more than 43 years.
“We’re thrilled that Congresswoman Woolsey is helping to encourage much-needed blood donations,” said Dr. Nora Hirschler, President of BCP. “Her visit will surely serve to highlight the important cause of blood donation and inspire many to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life.”
Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch
(415) 749-6612
January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month and with California requiring more than 1.5 million donated pints of blood a year, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued a call to citizens to give blood.
Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP), which provides blood to 41 hospitals throughout Northern California, has started the new year with a deficit of much-needed blood for area patients. Running particularly low are supplies of blood with negative Rh factors, like type O negative, which can be given to anyone in an emergency.
“The demand for blood is greater today than ever before, and California’s blood supply needs constant replenishment. Accident victims, people undergoing surgery and patients receiving treatment for cancer or other diseases all utilize blood…” Schwarzenegger wrote.
The governor continued, “during Volunteer Blood Donor Month, I urge all citizens to pay tribute to those among us who donate blood for others in need, and I encourage all citizens in good health to donate blood and give life.”
In the Bay Area, it is estimated that 800 pints of blood are needed each day for local patients. But of those eligible to donate blood, less than 4% do.
“We encourage those who haven’t donated blood before to start this January and we hope those who have given in the past will make blood donation a regular gift to their community,” commented Dr. Nora Hirschler, President of BCP.
To make an appointment to donate blood or to find the donation location closest to you, call 888-393-GIVE (4483) or visit www.bloodcenters.org.
Blood Centers of the Pacific
Lisa Bloch
(415) 749-6612