County’s Blood Provider Seeks More Donors

Facing a dwindling blood supply in Ventura County, officials at United Blood Services are urging residents to donate.

“Our blood supply is critically low right now,” said Carolyn Tyner, associate director for United Blood Services, the county’s only blood provider. “We like to have at least 15 days of blood supply, and right now we have less than four days.”

Tyner said United Blood Services already had a low blood supply prior to Wednesday, but the rainy weather caused some donors to cancel appointments, contributing to the problem.

“January tends to be a tough month because the weather is bad and people tend to stay in, and also because that’s the flu season,” Tyner said. “That’s why it’s so important that people donate (blood) right now.”

The blood bank, however, often can count on donors such as John Eckert of Camarillo, who said he donates blood on a regular basis.

“I’ve been doing this for about 10 years, and it gives me a great feeling to know that I’m helping to save lives,” Eckert said.

“There are a lot of people out there who need blood and it just feels right to me to help them.”

But United Blood Services needs 110 donors a day to keep up with demands in the county, Tyner said.

Donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be between the ages of 17 and 80.

People taking medication are not necessarily disqualified from donating blood, Tyner said.

To facilitate donations, United Blood Services has offices in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura, plus a bloodmobile that travels throughout the county.

For more information or to make an appointment, call United Blood Services at 654-8104.