![The Diamond Donor award ceremony took place July 11 on “AVH Night at JetHawks stadium.” Pictured from left to right are: AVH Director of the clinical laboratory, Larry Walker; Manager of AVH’s biomedical department, Charles “Dave” White (84 pints); Gene M. Borrelli (91 pints); Jane L. Gordon (88 pints); Joan M. Paolo (94 pints); Byron W. Glennan (84 pints);Barry J. Levine (81 pints); with Jack Burke, AVH COO/interim CEO. Donors not pictured include: Paul S. Hirose (94 pints) and Jon M. Bell (82 pints). [contributed]](https://theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AVH-Blood-Donors-recognized.jpg)
Collectively, the eight volunteers donated nearly 700 pints, or about 87 gallons, according to AVH officials.
The newest Diamond Donor Club members are:
- Jon M. Bell (82 pints)
- Gene M. Borrelli (91 pints)
- Byron W. Glennan (84 pints)
- Jane L. Gordon (88 pints)
- Paul S. Hirose (94 pints)
- Barry J. Levine (81 pints)
- Joan M. Paolo (94 pints)
- Charles “Dave” White (84 pints)
They bring the number of AVH Diamond Donor Club members to 49.
“It takes almost 14 years to donate 10 gallons of blood,” stated AVH Blood Services Coordinator Ellen Gaines. “The selfless donations of these eight volunteers have provided the gift of life for hundreds of patients over the years.”
All donations through the AVH Blood Donor Center stay within the hospital. Last year more than 2,200 patients received lifesaving blood transfusions. Donors receive a free cholesterol test and, during the summer blood drive, donors also receive a free rubber ducky. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to give a pint of blood, but the entire process takes about an hour to complete.
The AVH Blood Donor Center is located on the hospital’s campus in the Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center, 44105 15th Street West, Suite 305, at the intersection of 15th Street West and Avenue J-5. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make an appointment by calling 661-949-5622.
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