How to Give

There are four main types of blood donors:

• Autologous donors give blood so that it may be transfused back to him or her during an upcoming surgery.

• Replacement donors give blood to replace the blood used by a patient-a particularly special way for family and friends to show their love and support. Replacement donors play a key role in replenishing the blood supply for the next patient in need of a transfusion.

• Apheresis donors donate blood platelets. The safe, simple 90-minute process involves separating platelets from the blood using a blood cell separator.

Who Can Donate Blood?

• Adults, aged 17 to 80 years old

• Weigh 110 pounds or more for men & 115 pounds or more for women

• Be free of infection

• Know the names of any medications you currently take

Did you know you can give blood even if you take medication for high blood pressure, take hormones or have diabetes that is controlled.

Since active participation by volunteer donors is critical to the availability of blood, we urge all eligible people to donate blood on a regular basis. Donors can give blood every eight weeks.

What to Expect When You Donate
When you arrive at the Blood Donor Center our staff will make every effort to accommodate you as soon as possible. First, you will be asked to complete the donor registration/medical history form.

The blood donation process takes approximately 30 minutes from the time you check in to the time you leave. The actual blood collection takes only about 10 minutes. For other donation types, the process (from arrival to departure) takes approximately:

• 45 minutes to collect two units of red blood cells

• 90 minutes to collect apheresis platelets

After you donate, you'll be given a light refreshment.

You may donate every eight weeks (up to six times a year) at the Blood Donor Center or a mobile drive. No appointment is necessary.

During a typical month the Blood Donor Center must draw blood from at least 2,500 donors to meet the blood needs of patients in our community.