Due to a current blood shortage, several Dignity Health hospitals are partnering with Vitalant to host blood donation drives in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
According to a press release sent to KSBY, the blood drives are scheduled on the following dates:
- Arroyo Grande Community Hospital – Monday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Annex Conference Room (345 South Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande)
- Marian Regional Medical Center – Wednesday April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the conference center located at 1400 East Church Street, Santa Maria at the corner of Palisades and Church Street
- French Hospital Medical Center – Thursday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the third floor Copeland Health Education Pavilion (1911 South Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo)
A Dignity Health Central Coast Division spokesperson said the process takes 45 minutes and can save up to three lives.
"Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important," said the spokesperson. "The current O-negative blood supply sits at an approximate two-day supply, which is half of the ideal quantity needed to support patient needs. Additionally, platelet donations, which have a shelf-life of only five days, are always in high demand. However, donors of all types are needed."
Community members interested in donating can sign up at www.blood4life.org.
Local health officials do not encourage community members to donate blood if they are feeling ill.
