PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 9 am to 3 pm at the American Red Cross’ Bloodmobile, which will be stationed at Poncitlán Square.
Donations will be accepted from both City of Palmdale employees as well as residents who wish to give blood. All presenting donors will receive a Cold Stone Creamery coupon as well as discounted tickets to see an Anaheim Ducks game.
“The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community,” said Administrative Technician and Blood Drive Coordinator Kathy Inman. “Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.”
“Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness,” Inman said. “January, in particular, is a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations. That’s why it has been designated as National Blood Donor Month—to encourage donors to give or pledge to give blood and help replenish the supply.”
“To make a donation, please call me at 267-5229 and I’ll reserve a spot for you,” said Inman.
Each year, the City of Palmdale hosts three blood drives as part of its employee wellness program. In 2013, City of Palmdale employees and residents combined to donate 76 pints of blood to the American Red Cross.
“According to the statistics, for every pint of blood donated, three lives can be saved,” Inman said.