"Our collections around Christmas are always really light because we can’t schedule mobile blood drives," which provide about half of the center’s supplies, said Susan Galel, MD, director of clinical operations for the blood center. "We’re always struggling to get enough blood. We did make it through Thanksgiving, but we had to import from other centers to get by."

This time of year is typically precarious for the nation’s blood centers, as would-be donors turn their attention to holiday preparations. With many businesses closed for two weeks in December, one of the most plentiful sources of blood — the workers at local companies — dries up.

Yet the demand for blood during the holidays remains consistently high, Galel said. The blood center likes to have at least two days of inventory, or about 600 units of blood on hand at any time, said Michelle Hyndman, community and media relations coordinator for the center. A single patient, such as a difficult liver transplant case, can deplete an entire day’s supply, she added.

In general, when supplies run short, the blood center can turn to its counterparts in other regions of the country for help.

"Normally when we have a patient use a lot of blood, we can import. But during the holidays, all blood centers are in a precarious position, so there is no one to go to for help. Everyone is hanging on to their supplies," Hyndman said.

To help ensure an adequate supply of blood, the center has stepped up its schedule of mobile blood drives and is encouraging prospective donors to make appointments this month.

"Our inventory is looking fairly stable at the moment, but that’s because we have the bulk of our blood drives in early December," she said. "We’re really trying to get in a good place so we can ride out the holiday storm."

Donors who come in during December will have the chance to win a raffle prize — a gift certificate to a local restaurant, shop or hotel. Those who come in between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3 also will get a free T-shirt for their efforts.

The blood center has two locations: 800 Welch Road in Palo Alto and 515 South Drive, Suite 20, in Mountain View.

STANFORD BLOOD CENTER HOLIDAY HOURS
The blood center at both locations will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To avoid a wait, appointments are recommended. Call 723-7831 to schedule.

Palo Alto location
Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Noon to 7:30 p.m.
Friday: closed
First & third Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday: Closed

Mountain View location
Monday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Noon to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday: Closed