By Sara McCarthy
Signal Staff Writer
UCLA Health is set to host its annual blood drive with longtime partner, Christ Lutheran Church, July 17 from 1 to 6 p.m.
According to Deborah Alter, a community liaison with UCLA Health Blood and Platelet Center, Christ Lutheran has been a very loyal partner with UCLA Health, stepping up to the plate during challenging times.
“During COVID-19, we lost almost 99% of our blood drive partners,” said Alter. “During COVID [Christ Lutheran] probably ran I would say six drives a year and we’ve been running with them for a very long time, and we just continue the tradition of doing the blood drive. We get community support, I mean really from everywhere all over Santa Clarita.”
The requirements to be eligible to donate blood include:
- Must be 17 years old, or, if under the age of 17, have parental consent.
- Weight at least 110 pounds.
- Be in good health.
- Have not donated blood in the past 56 days.
Alter also encourages donors to drink plenty of water prior to donating and to eat a healthy meal.
UCLA Health encourages donors to sign up online, but if not possible, walk-ins are acceptable.
For more information and/or to make an appointment, visit www.uclahealth.org/programs/gotblood.
