LifeStream joins national Blood Emergency Readiness Corps

LifeStream Blood Bank in San Bernardino has joined the national Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) a group of more than 30 blood centers across the nation who commit to joining together to be prepared for any mass transfusion disasters that may strike. These blood centers commit to collecting extra units on a rotating “on call” schedule to create an available reserve supply of blood for emergency needs. This helps ensure immediate transfusion needs can be met for local hospitals during a mass disaster.

BERC had its first activation on June 16, when LifeStream was asked to respond to a deadly tornado that struck parts of Texas and Oklahoma. The tornado killed three people and injured over 50. LifeStream sent the requested six Type-O units of blood product, helping the Oklahoma Blood Institute and several of its patients at three different hospitals.

BERC ensures blood will be ready from member blood centers and available if needed. If ARMC is facing a large-scale disaster and LifeStream does not have enough blood products on its shelves, LifeStream can request products from fellow BERC blood centers.

LifeStream provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals. To fulfill patient needs, LifeStream must collect 500 blood donations daily. Individuals may sign up to donate at https://www.lstream.org/.