In a Season of Giving, Consider Antelope Valley Medical Center

(LANCASTER, Calif.) – As local residents embrace the spirit of the season with family and friends, Antelope Valley Medical Center reminds people to remember their own community hospital in their year-end gift giving.

“It is the ongoing support of our community that makes it possible for Antelope Valley Medical Center to continue to provide the exceptional clinical care that our community has counted on for 60 years,” said Johnny Zamrzla, chair of the Antelope Valley Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors. “During this holiday season when many individuals are giving serious thought to year-end contributions, we hope they will consider including AVMC in their plans.”

As a nonprofit district hospital, AVMC relies on the support of generous donors – both individuals and organizations – to support the hospital’s mission and offset many of the rising costs associated providing care, purchasing new equipment and attracting talented staff.

Each year AVMC treats approximately 800 cases of stroke, delivers 5,400 babies, sees 113,000 people through its emergency department, and serves 210,000 patients. In addition, it is home to the sophisticated Institute for Heart & Vascular Care Center, Women & Infants Pavilion, and the only Level II Trauma Center within 50 miles. It is also a STEMI Receiving Center, Advanced Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center. In addition, the hospital serves as a major economic engine for the Antelope Valley through a workforce of 2,800 employees.

“These programs are made possible, in part, because of the generosity of donors who understand the importance of ensuring that Antelope Valley Medical Center will be here when people need it most,” said Zamrzla. “The cost of proving care continues to rise and district hospitals are not immune to the competitive pressures and changing regulations that engulf the entire healthcare industry.”

Zamrzla recognizes that different people may give to the hospital for different reasons. He says that some give because they believe in its overriding mission and in its unique position as the community’s only full service acute-care hospital. For others, the hospital carries a special, personal meaning because of a family experience that has strengthened their bond and appreciation for the institution. Others want to leave a lasting legacy in the community while some simply want to feel good about making a difference. “What everyone has in common is knowing that their gift will help save lives, treat illness, bring newborns into the world and make the Antelope Valley a better place to work, live and raise a family,” says Zamrzla.

In addition to traditional monetary donations, the hospital welcomes gifts of real estate, life insurance, stocks, mutual funds, endowment gifts, life income gifts, charitable IRA gifts, and wills or living trusts. Further information on gift-giving may be obtained by clicking on “donate” at AVMC.org or by contacting the foundation directly at 661-949-5810.

“Every gift matters, big or small, for when combined they allow us to not only address the hospital’s current needs, but better position the hospital for long-term growth and sustainability,” says Zamrzla. “Supporting Antelope Valley Medical Center is a good investment, now and for the future.”

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Celebrating 60 years of caring for the community, Antelope Valley Medical Center is located in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County. The 420-bed district hospital is a Level II trauma center and provides a full array of medical/surgical services, pediatric treatment, NICU, mental health, cancer care and more. More information is available at www.AVMC.org or by calling 661-949-5000. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/antelopevalleyhospital.