Community Corner
90 People Donate to Newport Lifeguards' Blood Drive
But the Newport Beach Fire Department says more blood donations are needed.
Ninety donors attended the 27th annual Newport Beach Lifeguards’ Blood Drive Wednesday at the Newport Pier, but officials say more donations are needed.
Jennifer Schulz, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Department, said 78 units of blood were collected and encouraged additional support from the community.
"Unfortunately, we usually try to get close to 100 donors," Schulz said. "But anyone that missed the drive can come to our next scheduled drive on Wednesday, August 22."
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Blood collected from the drive is used daily to treat patients undergoing surgery, those with cancer, burn patients, auto accident patients and many more. Blood donations cannot be stockpiled, with the shelf life ranging from a few hours for some cells to 42 days for others. Blood donations must be made on a regular basis in order to maintain an adequate supply in the community.
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