Common Concerns

Many people are reluctant to make their first blood donation, but once they do, they find the donation process to be easy and gratifying.

I Don't Like Needles

You’re not alone: fear of needles certainly prevents some people from donating blood. But if you’re willing to spend a few minutes facing your fears (donating really can be that fast) you may find that the satisfaction you feel makes it worth it.

Try the Helpful Tips Below:

A red icon of a heart with arms flexing its muscles within a grey circle.

Take Pride

Try to focus on the good you are doing - your blood donation can help save more than one life.

A red icon of an open book within a grey circle.

Be Prepared

Before your appointment, read up on the donation process so you know what to expect at every step.

A red icon of a set of headphones within a grey circle.

Relax

Listen to music, read a book, talk to our staff, or simply close your eyes and rest for a few minutes.

A blood donor receiving a sticker nametag after registration.

I'm Not Sure I'm Eligible

There’s a very good chance you meet the criteria.

For most donations, these are the basic requirements:

A red icon of a muscular person flexing their muscles within a grey circle.

Good Health

You generally feel well, even if you're being treated for a chronic condition. Learn about health and wellness.

A red icon of the number 17 within a grey circle.

Age 17

16 year olds may donate with parental permission in certain states if allowed by state law.

A red icon of a weight scale within a grey circle.

110 lbs

Additional weight requirements apply for donors age 18 or younger and all high school donors.

View Frequently Asked Eligibility Questions

Image of a squeeze ball held in a persons hand.

Is it Safe to Donate?

Yes, donating blood is safe. You can’t get AIDS or any other infectious disease from giving blood because we always use new, sterile needles that are discarded after one use.

You’ll even be given a mini-physical at your appointment, to ensure you are healthy enough to donate that day. We’ll check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin.

Learn More About the Donation Process

I'm Afraid I'll Faint

Most donors feel fine after donating blood, but if you do feel faint or fatigued, simply lie down until you feel better. It might help you to think about this: you have about 10 pints of blood in your body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation. Your body can replenish that loss in a short time (a matter of hours for some components, a few weeks for others).

See Tips for a Successful Donation

I Don't Have the Right Kind of Blood

Perhaps you’ve heard an appeal for donors that says we’re running low on certain blood types. That doesn’t mean other types aren’t valuable: there’s always a need and purpose for every type of blood. Here’s what we’re looking for today:

A red icon of a drop of blood within a grey circle.

All Types

Whether you’re A, B, AB or O – or unknown – all types of blood are valuable and can help save lives.

A red icon of a blood bag within a grey circle.

All Components

You can donate whole blood, or certain components such as red cells, platelets or plasma.

A red icon of a hand with a white drop of blood in the center within a grey circle.

Volunteer Donors

The most important thing is that you are willing to make this generous, life-saving donation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BLOOD TYPES