Valleywide : Cholesterol Test Kits at Blood Donor Sites
Trying to bolster year-end blood donations, American Red Cross Blood Services will offer free home cholesterol tests kits at all Valley bloodmobiles and donor centers starting today.
The kits, donated by Johnson & Johnson, will be available to anyone over 20 who comes to donor centers throughout the Southland until the new year.
Although making a blood donation is not a prerequisite to receiving a test kit, it is hoped that the free kits will serve as an enticement for people to give blood, said Cheryle Babbitt, managing director of donor services.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to make a much-needed blood donation and give the gift of life to someone in need while checking your own personal health,” Babbitt said.
Traditionally, blood donations in Southern California decline during December, lowering the community’s blood supply in January. The supply is currently sufficient, but increased holiday activity and illness routinely impoverish the blood supply, she noted.
Anyone in good health who is older than 17, weighs at least 110 pounds and is not at high risk for HIV/AIDS may donate blood.
The cholesterol test kits are available at Red Cross sites in Burbank, 1001 W. Magnolia Blvd., and Van Nuys, 14717 Sherman Way.
For an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
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