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Cedars-Sinai Seeks Donations As It Faces Blood Shortage

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Cedars-Sinai is seeking donations as it continues to face a blood shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We normally like to have a few days' inventory of blood on hand, but we haven't had the luxury of that in a long time," said Ellen Klapper, director of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Donor Services.

The number of blood drives hosted at schools, houses of worship and other organizations has been dramatically reduced during the pandemic.

The lack of blood drives paired with holiday travel, inclement weather and seasonal illnesses has contributed to the drop in supply.

"That all has combined to create a really tough situation for us here at the hospital," said Armando Romero, associate director of Transfusion Medicine at Cedars-Sinai.

Donors can register online at donatebloodcedars.org or by calling 310- 423-4170.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

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