Stanford Blood Center sounds the call for donations

Stanford Blood Center is in urgent need of blood donations due to a critically low inventory of blood products resulting from a drop in donations over the summer and a higher than normal need.

The center is accepting donations of all blood types, but there is a particular need for type B and type O blood products.

In the past two weeks, more than 1,350 units of red blood cells were sent to the center’s partnering hospitals, and in addition five cardiovascular patients and emergency patients used more than 238 units of blood products, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tho Pham said.

While there was not an urgent need for support following the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, being prepared and maintaining a strong inventory enables the center to provide the help needed in emergencies, according to the blood center.

Donors will receive a coupon for a free Jersey Mike’s sandwich, center officials said.

Donors can schedule appointments at one of the three donation centers — in Menlo Park, Mountain View and Campbell — by calling 888-723-7831 or online at stanfordbloodcenter.org.

Donors can also stop by public drives in Cupertino, Milpitas and San Jose.

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