Donate Blood This Holiday Season

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, 2017, 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). All donors receive a free cholesterol test

"Giving blood is safe, easy and takes less than an hour," said Ellen Gaines, AVMC’s blood services representative. "Your generous donation could help save a newborn child, help heal an injured teen, or put a neighbor back on the road to recovery. In this season of giving, why not give the gift of life?"

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 December 23, 2016 through January 2, 2017. 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.