Whole Blood Donors

Give Blood: Give Life

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. That blood can only come from a volunteer donor, a person like you who takes just a few minutes to donate. There is no substitute for your donation.

You can plan to be at a blood drive for an hour to an hour and a half. That is how long the whole process - from the time you arrive until the time you leave – typically takes. The donation itself is only about ten minutes. Your blood donation could save the live of a cancer patient, a teenager who has been in an accident or a premature infant.

What to Expect When Donating Blood

  • Registration:

    You will first be asked for a form of identification each time you donate. You'll provide your name, date of birth and social security number.

  • Health History:

    A trained Red Cross staff member will then conduct a mini-physical examination checking your temperature, your blood pressure and pulse, and a drop of your blood to be sure you have enough red blood cells to donate safely. The staff member will also ask about your past and present health and lifestyle, and we will answer any questions you may have. This interview is private and confidential.

    Most people who are 17 or older, and who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood, but depending on your answers, you may be deferred from donating, either temporarily or permanently.

    If you are temporarily deferred from giving blood, please don't give up! We hope you will return to donate blood once your deferral period is over.

    You'll be given a form so you can let us know, privately, whether your blood is safe to give to another person.

  • Donation:

    Before the donation, we will cleanse an area of the arm you will be using to donate. All of the supplies, including the needle, are sterile and are used only once — for you.

    At the start of the donation, you may notice a brief “sting” from the needle, but then you’ll rest comfortably. The donation usually takes about 10 minutes, and you will have given about a pint of blood when finished. Your body will replace the plasma (liquid part) in hours and the cells in a few weeks.

    When you are finished, you will be given a form with post-donation instructions and a number to call if you decide after you leave that your blood may not be safe to give to another person.

  • Canteen:

    It's that easy. Before you head home, you'll relax for a few minutes in our refreshment area and enjoy a drink and some snacks.

    Visit the Web site of the National American Red Cross to view an on-line presentation.