LANCASTER – During the holiday season, blood donations often decline as people become busy with holiday preparations and travel. Yet the need for blood remains constant, which is why the Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) Blood Donor Center is encouraging local residents to give the gift of life this time of year.
All of the blood collected at the AVH Blood Donor Center is used for patients at Antelope Valley Hospital.
“Donating blood can be easier and faster than finding the perfect holiday gift,” said Ellen Gaines, AVH Blood Donor Center coordinator. “What’s more, it’s free, it’s renewable and it saves lives!”
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. First time donors must present a driver’s license or state ID. The actual blood donation takes about 5-10 minutes, but donors are asked to allow one hour for the whole process.
As a special way of thanking AVH blood donors, now through Jan. 31, 2015, each donor will receive a free cholesterol test and a free tee-shirt (while supplies last).
The AVH Blood Donor Center is located on the hospital’s campus in the Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center, 44105 15th Street West, Suite 305 (intersection of 15th Street West and Avenue J-5).
The center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The donor center will be closed Dec. 23, 2014 through Jan. 1, 2015, with regular hours resuming Jan. 3. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make an appointment by calling 661-949-5622.
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