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 25, blood donors will receive a free "Lucky Ducky" (yellow rubber ducky) and be entered into a monthly prize drawing while helping their friends and neighbors.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. is in need of a lifesaving blood transfusion. A single pint of blood can help as many as three patients. That could mean the life of a young mother, a newborn fighting to survive, or someone battling cancer. All blood donated at the AVMC Blood Donor Center stays right here.

"Just like we can’t survive without air, we can’t survive without blood," said Ellen Gaines, AVMC’s blood services representative. “Summer is a time when people are traveling the most, which not only means that many of our regular donors are away but there is also an increase in potential trauma related incidents. Donating blood today could save a life tomorrow.“

Donors must be at least 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.

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. While blood donation only takes about five to eight minutes, donors should allow about an hour for the whole process (registration, mini-physical, health questionnaire, donation and snacks).