LANCASTER – January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month and Antelope Valley Hospital is partnering with local Rotary clubs to help save lives in the community.
A blood drive is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the AVH Blood Donor Center, located in the Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center (AVOIC), 44105 15th Street West, Suite 305 (the intersection of 15th Street West and Avenue J-5).
Blood donors will receive a free pancake breakfast compliments of Halley-Olsen-Murphy Funerals and Cremations. Blood donors and friends are also invited to check out some of the hottest rides in the Antelope Valley at a car show in the City of Hope parking lot. Several organizations will be on-hand sharing information, including the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department offering El Niño preparation tips, Boys Scouts of America, California Highway Patrol and American Medical Response.
Blood donations often decline during the holiday season as people become busy with holiday preparations and travel. But the need for blood remains constant. That’s why the AVH Blood Donor Center and the Rotary Clubs of the Antelope Valley are encouraging local residents to give the gift of life this time of year. All blood collected at the AVH Blood Donor Center is used for patients at Antelope Valley Hospital.
“Blood donors are our silent heroes,” stated Ellen Gaines, AVH Blood Donor Center coordinator. “Donating blood is fast, easy, free and 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 donation takes about five to 10 minutes, but donors should allow one hour for the whole process.
As a special way of thanking AVH blood donors, from Dec. 1, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016, each donor will receive a free cholesterol test and a free t-shirt (while supplies last).
Walk-ins are welcome or donors can make an appointment. For more information, call 661-949-5622.
[Information via news release from Antelope Valley Hospital.]
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Philip says
This is the easiest way to donate to society without giving money. Give blood. You’ll be a silent hero, and your body will replenish your blood automatically.
My beautiful girlfriend and I gave blood before Thanksgiving and received two pumpkin pies as an incentive. I learned that blood has a shelf life of about 42 days. We are scheduled to donate again in January. I don’t want pies. I want to help. Do this one thing, giving blood to those who need it in traumatic situations, and you will feel better about your life.
I appreciate you guys – even the haters.