Blood Donor Center
Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
(661) 949-5622
WHY DONATE BLOOD?
Because your blood can save lives.
Every year 4.5 million patients require life-saving blood transfusions. Because blood is perishable and cannot be manufactured, patients in need must rely solely on the generosity of volunteer donors. In order to assure that a safe and adequate blood supply is available for everyone who needs it, it is critical that healthy members of our community make donations.
Donating blood is a great way to contribute to our community.
Countless lives are saved each year due to the availability of donated blood from heroic volunteers just like you. In our fast-paced modern world, finding time to volunteer can be challenging. Donating blood only takes an hour of your time and is a fast and vitally important way to do your part in helping our community.
Giving blood is safe and easy.
You must be healthy to give blood. Each time you give a pint of blood, we will check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. A quick test of a drop of blood taken from your finger will make sure you are not anemic. You will also be asked some questions about your health to be sure you can give blood safely. Additionally, each donor will receive a FREE cholesterol test. Needles used to collect blood are new and sterile. They are used once and discarded. You cannot be exposed to AIDS by donating blood.
Do you know your blood type?
If you don't already know your blood type, you will once you make a donation. There are four blood groups: O, A, B, and AB. Type O is the most common; type AB is the most rare. Additionally, if the Rh factor is identified, the individual is Rh positive, and if it is not found the individual is Rh negative. Most people, about 85%, are Rh positive; about 15% are Rh negative. Whatever your blood group and type, all blood types are needed all the time.
Q & A
Who can donate blood?
To be eligible to donate blood, a person must:
- Be at least 17 years old (17 years no longer requires parent/guardian permission)
- Weigh at least 110 lbs
- NEW: Be at least 16 years old with signed parent/guardian consent. If age 16, donor must also weigh at least 120 pounds (consent form available on AVH website or in Blood Donor Center)
- Be in good health with no unstable health conditions or illness
How much blood is taken when I donate?Only one pint of blood is collected at each donation.
How long does it take?The actual blood donation only takes 6-10 minutes. The entire process takes a little less than one hour.
How often can I give blood?The small amount of blood you have given won't be missed and most people can safely donate blood as often as every eight weeks. Eating a balanced diet and drinking extra liquids will help your body to replace blood quickly.
Does it hurt?Very little, if at all. The entire process is generally very comfortable, and you are helping someone who may be hurting a lot.
Can I get AIDS from donating blood?Absolutely not. Donating blood is a safe, even healthy thing to do. All needles and tubing are sterile and used only once, so there is NO chance of being exposed to AIDS when donating blood. Additionally, we will check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, and you will be screened for anemia and cholesterol each time you give blood.
Your blood can be used in the treatment of:
- Premature babies
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Complications of childbirth
- Major surgery
- Kidney and liver disease
- Hemophilia
- G.I. diseases
If you don't give blood, who will?
Only 1 Person in 25 gives blood.
Be someone special...Be a blood donor!Call us at
(661) 949-5622 for more information or to schedule your donation appointment today.