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CENTRAL CALIFORNIA BLOOD CENTER RESPONDS TO NEEDS IN TEXAS AND LOUISIANA:

FRESNO, CA— Hurricane Harvey blew through Houston Texas and the surrounding Gulf Coast area, leaving emergency conditions that will continue for days, with the recovery that could take weeks and months.

Most blood drives and blood donor centers in the Gulf Coast area have temporarily ceased operations due to the dangerous conditions there. Blood collection organizations in the U.S. are making every effort to meet the emergency blood needs of patients and ensure blood is available in affected areas.  The Central California Blood Center will help to the extent possible.

People of O-positive and O-negative blood types are particularly needed at this time.  Type O blood is the only blood type that can be safely transfused to most patients with other blood types and is frequently used in emergency situations.  Platelet donors are encouraged to schedule a donation by calling 559-389-5461. Platelets are donated using automated equipment that require electricity to operate.  Power outages cover much of area in the path of now downgraded to Tropical Storm Harvey. A critical component in the support of cancer treatment, and with only a shelf life of five days, this blood component is desperately needed in parts of Texas and Louisiana.

In order to provide blood for the Gulf Coast area, the Central California Blood Center must first meet the increased needs for blood in the Central Valley leading into and following the Labor Day holiday.

• Blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate blood or report to a local blood center or blood drive. Visit donateblood.org to find a convenient donor center in Fresno or Visalia, or blood drives throughout the Central Valley.  To schedule an appointment call 559-389-5442.
• The needs of Texas will be long term and it is anticipated that “mutual aid” or “resource sharing” between blood centers will be needed for several weeks.

Information will be posted regularly at www.donateblood.org, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Clovis Community Blood Drive at Sierra Vista Mall, a newly scheduled, monthly blood drive, will be available for donors this Wednesday from 2-7 pm inside the Mall near Kohl’s.  To sign up for this blood drive, please call 559-416-9426.