Antelope Valley Hospital seeks type O-negative blood donors to replenish diminishing supply

The blood donor center at Antelope Valley Hospital is urgently appealing to people with type O-negative blood to donate because supplies are nearing crisis levels.

Supplies have been running short since December because type O-negative blood can be given to patients with any blood type in an emergency situation, hospital officials said in a statement.

Traumas and emergency surgeries have contributed to the depletion of the hospital's type O-negative blood supply, and an ongoing regional shortage has prevented the hospital from getting additional replacement units from outside suppliers, officials said.

Individuals with type O-negative blood are being asked to contact the hospital's blood donor center to make an appointment. They also can walk in during regular hours. According to information published by the center, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 18 years old and must not have given blood in the last eight weeks, among other requirements.

The blood donor center is at 1600 West Ave. J in Lancaster and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The telephone number is (661) 949-5622.

-- Ann M. Simmons

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Comments

[Derrick]

I have type O negative blood and used to give it freely as a teenager. Too bad that they do not permit gay men to donate blood. I could save a lot of lives...

[Cynthia B]

If they need it so badly then why don't they answer the telephone or stay open more time during the week? My husband is O-negative and would happily donate. Why can't we donate locally (Encino, for us) and it be shipped to Antelope Valley? This storm makes driving there not an option. Help us help you!

[slayerfan66]

Too bad they are not open every saturday. And they close too early for me to get there in time after work. Well, I will try to head up that way soon.

[A]

I have O Negative blood; you gonna give me the money you sell it for? I don't believe the American Red Cross head-honcho's offices need very expensive Exotic Tropical Forrest Wood Paneling on the walls....I JUST DON'T!

[CL]

Ditto here. I would love to donate blood. I've been in a monogamous relationship for decades, and have no issues (health or otherwise) that would prevent me from donating if I were straight, yet they won't let me donate because I am gay. Straight guys who have had lots of unprotected sex with prostitutes can still donate, however, after a 12 month waiting period. Just doesn't make sense.

[Angie Amarillas]

We need type O-negative blood donor for Dora Gassos who is on Intensive Care Unit in Velmar Hospital in Ensenada, Mexico.
Please contact the hospital:
011 52 (646) 173 4500
Room 204
Please, make a miracle for Dora.
She was in a serious accident with her husband and daughter.
She is in critical condition, please....