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Give Blood
Click here to find out where you can donate blood!
Giving blood is simple, but not a small thing to do.
To be a blood donor - you must be healthy, at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parent’s permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days). "Healthy" means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, "healthy" also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.
The blood donation process takes about an hour, with the actual blood donation taking approximately 10 minutes.
- Registration: You will read information about donating blood. Be asked to complete a form with demographic and basic health information and present ID.
- Health History & Mini Physical: A trained staff person will ask you about your health history during a private and confidential interview. You will have your temperature, iron level, blood pressure and pulse checked in order to protect your health and well being.
- Donation: Staff will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a needle for the blood draw procedure. You will then have 7 to 10 minutes to relax while the bag is filling. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the staff person will remove the needle and bandage your arm.
- Refreshments: You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume. You will then be able to leave and resume your normal daily activities.
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