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January is National Blood Donor Month

Donate Blood

Our nation’s blood supply is almost entirely dependent on volunteer donors and a network of hospital-based collection centers, non-profit organizations, the NIH Blood Bank, and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Armed Services Blood Program.

Blood transfusions are one of the most frequently performed procedures in U.S. hospitals and help treat patients suffering traumatic injuries, undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders, as well as new mothers and premature babies.

Donating blood only takes about an hour of your time. Please see the following step by step instructions to ensure a good experience with blood donation:

Before Your Donation:

  1. Find a blood donation place by searching online for “blood donation near me” or use an online locator from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. If you’re a member of the military, you can start your donation today through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Armed Services Blood Program, the official military provider of blood products to U.S. armed forces.
  2. Make an appointment.

During Your Visit:

  1. Prepare for you appointment by drinking at least 2 large glasses of water and eating a healthy meal with iron-rich foods that is not high in fat.
  2. Sign in when you arrive for your appointment. You will need to show identification.
  3. You will also answer questions about your health history and places you’ve traveled.
  4. One of the staff will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level.
  5. You will be seated when you donate, and it takes about 8-10 minutes to collect a pint of blood.

General Eligibility Requirements

Donor eligibility varies by location. Ask about specific requirements, but generally blood donors should:

  • Be 17 years of age or older, however some 16-year-old people can donate blood with parental consent.
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds.
  • Be in good health and not taking antibiotics.

After your donation, be sure to consider donating again. Return donors are very important in ensuring a stable blood supply and help when there are shortages. You can donate blood up to 6 times a year.

For information about blood donation, visit here.

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Useful links:

  1. Donating Blood (for Teens) - Aetna Better Health of Virginia (Medicaid) (kidshealth.org)
  2. Blood donations needed in Central Illinois as shortage looms (pantagraph.com)
  3. Homepage | ImpactLife (bloodcenter.org)
  4. Blood Donor Basics | ImpactLife (bloodcenter.org)