Give the Gift of Life This Winter – Donate Blood

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 Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is encouraging local residents to give the gift of life this time of year. All of the blood collected at the AVMC Blood Donor Center is used for patients at Antelope Valley Medical Center.

As a special way of thanking AVMC blood donors, now through January 31, 2019, each donor will receive a free cholesterol test and a free T-shirt (while supplies last). Donors must be 17 years old (16-year-old donors are welcome with a signed parent consent form).

"Giving blood is one of the safest and simplest ways to impact lives," said Ellen Gaines, AVMC’s blood services representative. "A donation takes less than an hour and can save the lives of countless people, from a newborn child to an elderly neighbor getting back on the road to recovery."

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. The Blood Donor Center will be closed Dec. 25, 2018 through Jan. 1, 2019. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make an appointment by calling 661-949-5622.

Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds (16-year-old donors must weigh at least 120 pounds). Donors must be in good health with no illness or unstable health conditions. All first-time donors must present a driver’s license or state ID. The donation takes only about 5-10 minutes but allow one hour for the whole process. Donors are advised to have a meal and drink extra fluids before donating.