Blood Shortage Prompts Sherman, Others to Roll Up Sleeves

A severe blood shortage that has left Los Angeles County supplies at levels estimated to be the worst in more than 20 years inspired Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) to roll up his sleeve Monday morning and donate blood.

Sherman filled out the routine paperwork at Kaiser Permanente near his Woodland Hills office, took off his blazer and then sat back in a recliner as a technician drew two cups of blood from his arm as he squeezed a rubber ball.

Two of Sherman’s aides, David Goodman and David Tierney, joined their boss in giving blood, as did John Chiang of Chatsworth, a member of the state Board of Equalization.

Hospital officials invited Sherman to donate blood as part of a campaign to end the shortage, which is attributed to one of the worst flu outbreaks in a decade, combined with the annual drop in donations during and immediately following the holidays, said Dr. Michael Kanter, director of Kaiser’s blood bank.

“It’s been a significant flu season and people are not eligible to donate when they have the flu,” Kanter said. “This is one of the worst shortages I’ve seen.”

The hospital also invited Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick to participate in the campaign Monday, but neither could make it due to scheduling conflicts, according to aides.

Sherman, a donor in past years, said he wanted to give blood in his Valley district before traveling to Washington today.

“People are filling out tax forms now and more than one has suggested [that elected] officials give blood,” Sherman joked as blood was drawn from his left arm.

After about 15 minutes, the needle was removed, and Sherman sipped cranberry juice and walked around before heading to lunch and an afternoon meeting in Woodland Hills with environmental organizations.

Darlene Van Maanen, supervisor of Kaiser’s blood donor center, said she was thrilled the congressman helped publicize a nationwide problem. News reports of the shortage have already increased the number of donors, she said.

“Normally we get 20 to 25 donors per day, and last week we had 50 donors on two different days and 35 another day,” she said. “The publicity has really helped increase the awareness of the need.”