National Blood Donor Month Highlights Urgent Need for Donations at Lifestream Blood Bank in Rancho Mirage

January is National Blood Donor Month, and across the Coachella Valley, residents are rolling up their sleeves to help save lives as blood donations typically drop during the winter months.

At Lifestream Blood Bank in Rancho Mirage, donors are answering the call during a critical shortage. Many say donating blood is personal.

“It’s important to me to donate blood because I’ve had a lot of loved ones who needed surgery and, in some cases, units of blood,” said one donor. “For example, my wife when she had our daughter.”

Lifestream leaders say they are hoping to see more donors throughout January, stressing that blood supplies are currently very low.

Mike, a spokesperson for Lifestream, says the donation process is simple, but the impact can be life-changing. Just one pint of donated blood can help save up to three lives. Nationwide, someone needs blood every two seconds — yet fewer than eligible donors actually give.

“If you can offer your services to the community and donate blood, then sure — we all should be doing that,” another donor shared.

For those unable to donate blood, Lifestream is also seeking volunteers to help support operations.

With a national blood shortage underway, donors hope their efforts inspire others in the community to step up and help save lives.

Reporting in Rancho Mirage, Kai Beach, NBC Palm Springs.

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