On Tuesday, February 23, the Phelan VFW hosted a blood drive that resulted in 19 units of blood donated to LifeStream Blood Bank. 

LifeStream Blood Bank is a nonprofit organization that provides blood to over 80 hospitals in southern California.  Due to the ongoing pandemic, blood reserves are running low, and the possible donors’ pool is shrinking.

Arthur Beers worked at the blood drive for LifeStream and drove the retrofitted recreational vehicle that goes out to heavy foot traffic locations to collect blood.  He says that the blood collected will stay in southern California “to save lives.”  Possible donors are screened through a series of questions and checked for signs and symptoms of the Covid-19 virus.  “If you’re feeling well and healthy, we encourage you to come out and donate.” 

LifeStream Blood Bank aims to collect 500 units of blood daily to be able to meet the demand.  Businesses can sign-up to host a blood drive by visiting their website.

“We’re here to try and get people to come in and donate,” says Beers. “People that aren’t as fortunate, they’re in the hospitals (and) they need a continuous supply of blood to save their life.”