Why Give Blood

Blood donation is a community responsibility. While you're reading this, a local patient needs blood.

Blood is needed every two seconds.

About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.

Blood is always needed for treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients and Blood cannot be manufactured.

Only 37 percent of our country's population is eligible to give blood, and less than 10 percent of those who can donate actually do donate annually.

Who Can Donate

Be in general good health.

Be at least 17 years old. (If you are 16 you can donate with a CBC consent form signed by your parent). There is no upper age limit as long as you have no health restrictions.

Be at least 5' 4" tall and weigh at least 110 pounds. If you are under 5' 4" you will need to weigh more than 110 pounds to safely donate.

Have a photo ID. (It's helpful to also have your CBC Donor ID card).

After Donation

Try to increase your fluid intake for the next 24 to 48 hours. And Avoid strenuous physical exertion, heavy pulling with the donation arm for about 5 hours.

Eat well balanced meals for the next 24 hours.

Donors seldom experience discomfort after donating.However,if you feel light-headed, lie down until the feeling passes.

If some bleeding occurs after removal of the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for three to 5 minutes.

If bruising or bleeding appears under the skin, apply a cold pack periodically to the bruised area during the first 24 hours, then warm, moist heat intermittently.