Volunteers at Pleasant Valley boost critically short blood supply
Pleasant Valley State Prison staff were eager to help their community when they heard how low the blood supply had become. They quickly rallied, donating 39 pints of blood, which could save up to 117 lives.
While blood supply inventories typically wane in the summer, the Central California Blood Center (CCBC) noted current supplies are critically low.
While blood supplies are often measured in days of inventory, in some places it is now measured in hours. This prompted Justin Nugent, acting Community Resource Manager, to coordinate a blood drive at the prison. The mobile blood drive trucks were joined by a gourmet burger food truck, helping draw more volunteers.
In all, Pleasant Valley donated 39 pints of blood during the six-hour event. And as the onsite CCBC director noted, it has been one of the few events where the projected donations goals were met.
Interested donors are encouraged to reach out to their local blood collection centers to help with this serious blood supply crisis. To learn more about the donation process visit: Central California Blood Center (donateblood.org).
Did you know? One pint of blood can save up to three lives. The prison’s donation of 39 pints means 117 lives could be saved.
Submitted by Lieutenant Carlos Mendoza
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