BLOOD DONORS NEEDED TO EASE CRISIS : BLOOD DONORS NEEDED.Byline: Karen Maeshiro Daily News Staff Writer With the critical blood shortage in Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, , the Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley Hospital Blood Donor Center is making an appeal to people to give an hour of their time to donate blood. The shortage is attributed to continued severe weather elsewhere in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , which has hindered blood imports into this region, and to regular donors catching colds and the flu, which means they can't give blood. ``There's really a critical need for blood. It's in very short supply,'' said Ellen Gaines, blood services coordinator. ``If we want to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply, we depend on the generosity Generosity See also Aid, Organizational; Kindness. Abbé Constantin self-sacrificing priest; curé of Longueral. [Fr. Lit.: The Abbé Constantin, Walsh Modern, 105] Amelia takes interest in Paul. [Br. Lit. and heroism Heroism See also Bravery. Achilles Greek hero without whom Troy could not have been taken. [Gk. Lit.: Iliad] Aeneas Trojan hero; legendary founder of Roman race. [Rom. Lit. of local people to help us out with this.'' Local donors produce more than 60 percent of the blood transfused at the center, with the remainder coming from other sources, Gaines said. All the blood donated do·nate v. do·nat·ed, do·nat·ing, do·nates v.tr. To present as a gift to a fund or cause; contribute. v.intr. To make a contribution to a fund or cause. at the center is used at local hospitals. Antelope Valley residents are being urged to call and make an appointment to donate blood. All blood types are needed, particularly type O. Donors can give every 56 days. Blood donors must be at least 18 (age 17 with written permission of parent or guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health with no symptoms of colds, flu, or unstable health conditions. Any history of cancer, hepatitis, HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. , or risk factors for those conditions would be cause for donors to be turned away. Center officials advise donors to have a meal before giving blood. Donors will receive a free cholesterol test Cholesterol Test Definition The cholesterol test is a quantitative analysis of the cholesterol levels in a sample of the patient's blood. Total serum cholesterol (TC) is the measurement routinely taken. . The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday - and this Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - at the Out-Patient Services lobby at the rear entrance to the hospital, 1600 W. Ave. J. WHAT: The Antelope Valley Hospital Blood Donor Center. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and this Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Out-Patient Services lobby at the rear entrance to the hospital, 1600 W. Ave. J. For appointments or information, call (805) 949-5622. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are advised. Blood donors must be at least 18 (age 17 with written permission of parent or guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health with no symptoms of colds, flu, or history of cancer, hepatitis or HIV risk factors. CAPTION(S): Box Box: (ran in AV only) BLOOD DONORS NEEDED (see text) |
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