There’s no greater gift than life. Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital invites the community to give the gift of life by donating blood during their winter blood drive on Thursday, December 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the HMNMH/COC Clinical Education Center on the hospital campus.

“During this season of giving, our blood drive provides the perfect opportunity for people to express appreciation for their good health and help those less fortunate,” said Rashida Soni, MD, medical director pathology and laboratory services.

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Every day, thousands of people rely on blood donors to help them maintain optimum health. Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital partners with the American Red Cross to host six blood drives each year.

“Our blood drives coincide with times of the year when blood volumes typically run low,” said Soni. “Our goal is to always have blood available when there is a need, emergent or otherwise.”

Blood collected at Henry Mayo is processed by the American Red Cross and dedicated to the hospital. That means that the blood is returned to the hospital for patient use.

“Henry Mayo and the American Red Cross encourage you to do your part in giving back to the community and donating blood,” said Chris Fleming, Regional Director for Blood Services. “The process is simple, takes approximately one hour and the need is constant.”

In addition to on-campus blood drives, the American Red Cross also hosts drives throughout the community with dozens of businesses, schools, and community organizations.

The blood collected at these hospital affiliate drives is also dedicated to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. For each unit of blood collected at these drives, the hospital receives a credit towards its hospital blood purchases. It’s an incentive for the hospital and gives donors another great way of helping the hospital.

To make an appointment, please call (661) 253-8888 or register online at redcrossblood.org and enter in sponsor code henrymayo. For more information or to host a blood drive at your organization, contact Laura Young, Henry Mayo public relations manager, at (661) 253-8089.