Donor Eligibility
What You Should Know About Voluntarily Donating Blood

In order to be eligible to donate blood to save the lives of others, you must be healthy and be living a healthy life-style. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. A person can donate every 56 days (every eight weeks). Becoming a volunteer donor is an important step in assuring a safe community blood supply!

Note: A full health history review will be conducted at the time of each donation. Please understand that eligibility requirements may change periodically. Please contact the Collections Department at the American Red Cross for clarification or health concerns not addressed in Donor Eligibility.

1. Why should I give my blood to the American Red Cross?
2. How do I know it is safe for me to give blood?
3. Does it hurt to give?
4. How long does it take to give blood?
5. Can I spare this unit you are asking me to give?
6. Should I eat before giving blood?
7. How often can I give blood?
8. Will you tell me my blood type?
9. What Do We Ask of Donors?

1. Why should I give my blood to the American Red Cross?

   When you take the time to donate a unit of blood to the American Red Cross, you are not just giving that blood to the American Red Cross. You are actually giving that blood to a patient who needs it, through the American Red Cross Blood Services and your community blood drive sponsors. The commitment of volunteer blood donors ensures all patients hospitalized in the region will receive the blood they need for emergencies and surgeries.

2. How do I know it is safe for me to give blood?

   The Red Cross is as eager to protect you - the donor - as we are to protect the one who receives the blood. Your medical history plus your temperature, pulse, and hemoglobin (iron level) will be checked before you give. In addition, your blood will be run through a series of tests and you are notified if you should follow-up with your personal physician. Remember, you CANNOT get AIDS or any other infectious disease from donating blood. It is important to note that in addition to helping others, you receive a "mini-physical" when you donate that can help you watch your own health while helping someone in need.

3. Does it hurt to give?

   Most of our volunteer donors just feel a quick pinch at the beginning of the donation. It also helps to remember that the patient you are helping is often suffering from unimaginable pain from an accident or life-threatening disease.

4. How long does it take to give blood?

   The whole process from registration through refreshments takes about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Most of the time is spent in registration, medical history, and the refreshment area. The actual donation process takes 6 to 10 minutes. Remember, whenever you make an appointment, we offer you preferred service. We are encouraging all our donors to make and keep appointments so we can plan our staffing appropriately to minimize any inconvenience to our donors. Call us at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to help assure we are ready to serve you!

5. Can I spare this unit you are asking me to give?

   YES! You are actually donating a little less than a pint of blood when you give. We call it a unit of blood. The average adult has 8 to 12 units of blood. Your fluids are replaced very quickly.

6. Should I eat before giving blood?

   It is always important to eat within four hours prior to giving blood. It helps to maintain a proper sugar level. Drinking plenty of water or fluids is also an important way to prepare for giving blood.

7. How often can I give blood?

   You can give every eight weeks. That's every 56 days or six times a year. Plan your schedule in advance to make giving a part of your life.

8. Will you tell me my blood type?

   After your first donation, you will receive a donor card within four to six weeks with your name and blood type. You should carry this card with you in an emergency as well as bring it whenever you give blood. Your future donations will be recorded on this card.

9. What Do We Ask of Donors?

   1.	Identification	-	Donor card or driver's license
   2.	Age	-	Donor must be at least 17 years old.
   3.	Weight	-	Donor must weigh at least 110 pounds.
   4.	Good Health	-	Contact the Red Cross if you have questions.
   5.	Medications	-	Know the exact names of medications currently taking or have taken in the past month.
   6.	Be a Volunteer Donor	-	We want to ensure that you are giving to help others and your experience is not a result of any pressure from anyone!

Are you ready? Are you eligible?
Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to give blood!