When a medical emergency happens, blood is sometimes needed at a moment’s notice. That’s why more than 50 county employees donated blood on Thursday, May 12 as part of the county’s annual employee blood drive.
United Blood Services parked their mobile stations outside of the Government Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo to fulfill appointments.
“County employees regularly make a difference outside of their everyday public service duties,” said Assistant County Administrative Officer Guy Savage. “All blood donated as part of this drive stays on the Central Coast and is available to help our families, friends and neighbors.”
Although there is a shortage of Type O-positive and Type O-negative, mostly because these are universal and the most common blood types, all blood types are needed, says United Blood Services Donor Recruitment Manager Mona Kleman.
“Unfortunately, we undergo a shortage of O-negative on and off throughout the year, mostly because it’s used a lot in emergency rooms,” Kleman said. “O-positive is the most common type of blood and, because of that, it does get used a lot, too. But really at this point in time, all types are needed. Donations tend to drop off during the holidays and summer months, so we’re happy county employees are signing up to donate again this year.”
The county has hosted its employee blood drive for about 10 consecutive years. Sponsored by the County Administrative Office, the drive helps the county in its goal of maintaining a healthy community.
United Blood Services also has an invested interest in the community, providing blood and blood products for local area hospitals. The nonprofit aims to produce a plentiful blood supply by inspiring people to donate and improving their services through research.
For more details on the county’s annual employee blood drive, call (805) 781-5011. To host a blood drive or make an appointment with United Blood Services, visit www.unitedbloodservices.org/centralcoast.