Be a Lifesaver This Summer by Donating Blood

Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) has kicked off its annual summer blood drive designed to help ensure a sufficient blood supply right here at home. Now through September 20, blood donors will be able to help their friends and neighbors, receive a free "Lucky Ducky" (yellow rubber ducky) and will be entered into a monthly prize drawing.

"The need for blood doesn’t take a vacation, but people do," said Ellen Gaines, AVMC’s blood services representative. "Blood donations are often difficult in the summer months due to regular donors being on vacation and schools being out of session."

Donors must be 17 years old (16-year-old donors are welcome with a signed parent consent form). All donors receive a free cholesterol test. In addition, donors can select a themed rubber ducky after each donation.

"Summer is a season with a high number of trauma-related incidents such as car accidents, so the demand for blood is constant," said Gaines. "All of the blood donated at the AVMC Blood Donor Center stays right here in the Antelope Valley, so donors can help a friend, co-worker or loved one in our community."

The AVMC Blood Donor Center is located at 44105 15th Street West, Suite 305, in Lancaster. 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 Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make an appointment by calling 661-949-5622.