New to donating? Get all the facts on eligibility, the simple process, and how your donation helps save lives right now.
Blood donation is the process of voluntarily giving blood, which is then used for medical treatments, emergencies, and research to help save lives.
Blood donations save lives in emergency situations, help patients with chronic illnesses, and support medical procedures. One donation can save up to three lives.
You can donate whole blood every 56 days (8 weeks). Platelet donations can be made more frequently, up to 24 times per year.
Yes, blood donation is extremely safe. We use sterile, single-use equipment for each donor, and our staff follows strict safety protocols.
You may feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted, but the actual donation process is generally painless.
The entire process takes about 45-60 minutes, including registration, health screening, donation (10-15 minutes), and refreshments afterward.
Most people feel fine after donating. Some might feel lightheaded, but this usually passes quickly. We recommend resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
Yes, you can donate during your period as long as you're feeling well and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Most medications don't prevent you from donating. However, some medications may require a waiting period. Please inform staff about any medications you're taking.
No, in fact, you should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Fasting is not recommended.
Generally, you must be in good health, at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and pass a health screening.
The minimum age is 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent in some locations.
There is no upper age limit as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements and are in good health.
You must weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg) to donate blood for your own safety.
No, you should wait until you are completely recovered and feeling well before donating.
You may need to wait 3-12 months depending on where you got the tattoo or piercing and whether it was done with sterile equipment.
Travel to certain countries may require a waiting period due to potential exposure to infectious diseases. Please inform staff about recent travel.
There is typically a waiting period after surgery, usually 3-6 months depending on the procedure.
Pregnant women are not eligible to donate. Nursing mothers may be eligible 6 months after delivery if they are not experiencing any complications.
Most vaccines don't require a waiting period, but some live vaccines may require a 2-4 week deferral.
Yes, people with well-controlled diabetes can usually donate blood.
Yes, if your blood pressure is below 180/100 mmHg at the time of donation.
Your blood sugar should be within normal range at the time of donation. If you're feeling unwell due to blood sugar levels, please wait until you're stable.
Yes, asthma does not prevent you from donating unless you're having an active asthma attack or difficulty breathing.
Yes, thyroid conditions usually don't affect your ability to donate as long as you're feeling well and your condition is under control.
Eligibility depends on the type of cancer and treatment. Most can donate 12 months after completing treatment.
No, you must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL for women and 13.0 g/dL for men to donate.
It depends on the condition and treatment. Many people with heart disease can donate if they're stable and meet other criteria.
Yes, taking cholesterol medication doesn't prevent you from donating blood.
It depends on the type and when it occurred. Some forms of hepatitis may result in permanent deferral.
The main types are whole blood, platelet (apheresis), plasma, and double red cell donations.
This is the most common type where a pint of whole blood is collected, which is then separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets.
A process where only platelets are collected, and other blood components are returned to the donor.
A process where plasma is collected, and red cells are returned to the donor. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood.
A process where two units of red blood cells are collected, and other components are returned to the donor.
Yes, but your eligibility for certain types of donations will depend on your blood type, height, weight, and other factors.
Donating your own blood before a scheduled surgery for potential use during your procedure.
The main blood types are A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.
O-negative is the universal donor (can give to any blood type). AB-positive is the universal plasma donor.
O-negative is the universal blood type that can be given to patients of any blood type, making it especially valuable in emergencies.
Yes, you can still donate. We'll test your blood and let you know your type after your donation.
A small sample of your blood is tested to determine your ABO group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (positive or negative).
Your blood is tested, processed into components (red cells, plasma, platelets), stored appropriately, and distributed to hospitals as needed.
Whole blood is often used in trauma situations, surgeries, and for patients who have lost significant amounts of blood.
Cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and surgery patients often need platelets to prevent or treat bleeding.
Burn victims, trauma patients, and people with clotting disorders often need plasma transfusions.
Patients with anemia, trauma victims, and those undergoing surgery often need red blood cell transfusions.
In emergencies, whole blood or specific components are used immediately. For chronic conditions, regular transfusions may be part of ongoing treatment.
Cancer patients often need platelets and red blood cells to counteract the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Whole blood, red blood cells, and plasma are commonly used for trauma and surgery patients to replace blood loss.
Yes, some donated blood is used for medical research and development of new treatments.
Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach) and drink plenty of water before donating. Avoid fatty foods right before donation.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before donating. Don't donate on an empty stomach, and avoid fatty foods right before your appointment.
Drink extra fluids, avoid alcohol, and avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
Plasma is replaced within 24 hours, red blood cells in 4-6 weeks, and iron levels in 6-8 weeks with proper nutrition.
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after donating.
Yes, but if you feel lightheaded, wait until you feel completely recovered before driving.
Yes, eligibility is based on individual risk factors, not sexual orientation or gender identity.
Yes, you can donate after being symptom-free for the required period (typically 14 days).
Yes, there's no waiting period for currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
Yes, as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements and have valid identification.
There may be a waiting period of 1-3 years after travel to or residence in a malaria-risk area.
Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
Bring a government-issued photo ID with your full name and photo or date of birth.
You'll answer health history questions, have a mini-physical (temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin check), and receive information about the donation process.
Your personal information is kept confidential and is protected by privacy laws and regulations.
Yes, but they may need to wait in a designated area during your donation due to space limitations.
Check our website for mobile blood drives and donation center locations.
Yes, we organize mobile blood drives at various locations. Contact us to host a drive in your community or workplace.
No, donating blood does not cause weight gain.
No, all equipment is sterile and used only once, making it impossible to contract infections from donating blood.
No, all blood types are needed regularly. While some types are rarer, all types are in constant demand.
No, a whole blood donation is about 1 pint (473 ml), which is less than 10% of your total blood volume.
No, as long as you follow the recommended donation intervals and maintain good health, regular donation is safe.
First-time donors should expect a health screening, a brief physical, and then the donation process which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Look away during the needle insertion, bring a friend for support, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
Yes, donating with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Yes, we have recognition programs for our regular donors, including milestone achievements and special events.
Yes, you can create an online donor account to track your donations and receive notifications when you're eligible to donate again.
Regular donors are automatically enrolled in our recognition programs. Ask staff about our donor loyalty programs during your next visit.
Contact our donor care line or seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms after donation.
You can update your contact information through our website or by calling our donor services.
Contact our community relations team to discuss hosting a blood drive in your area.
Our team is here to help you with any questions about blood donation and our services.