The Central California Blood Center is in critically short supply. It’s appealing for anyone who can to please donate blood as soon as possible. Blood donations are down nationwide as much as 40% in certain areas. In the valley donations are down 24% since 2009.
However, the centers here don’t have enough to keep up with the amount of trauma coming into emergency centers.
“This is not a cry-wolf situation,” said Central California Blood Center President/CEO Dean Eller in a phone interview. “This is something that we really do need – people to come in and respond (by giving blood). With our O-negative blood type at only 4% of what need, that means we need a lot of people to come in and replenish the supply. It takes 24 hours to test the blood so we really need people to come in right away.”
You can donate at a Central California Blood Center location:
| Visalia Donor Center 1515 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia M-F 9a – 6p Sat. 9a – 1p |
JEDC – NW Fresno Donor Center 4343 Herndon Ave., Fresno M-F 9a – 6p Sat. 9a – 3p |
Fresno Donor Center 1196 E. Shaw #102, Fresno M-F 9a – 6p Sat. 9a – 3p |
North Fresno Donor Center 1010 E. Perrin, Fresno M-F 9a – 6p Sat. 9a – 3p |
You can also donate at a mobile location. Find out where they are, here. Type your zip code to see where the closest drive or donation center is to you.
Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent). Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID is required at donor registration.
Find more facts about blood donation here.
