Blood Donor Center

Yes! By giving blood, you are giving something more precious than time or money, you are giving the Gift of Life. Blood cannot be made or bought, it can only come from people like you. Every five seconds, someone needs blood. One unit of blood can save up to three lives.

Give blood! Most people can. It is safe, easy and quick.

To be a blood donor, you must be:

• In good health
• At least 17 years of age, 16 years of age with parental consent (no upper limit)
• Feeling well
• Weigh at least 110 pounds

Most medications and medical conditions are acceptable.

Your blood donation is used to help treat patients and save lives. It is needed by accident and trauma patients, those receiving treatment for cancer or leukemia and by surgical patients.

Yes, and it takes less than an hour to donate. You cannot contract hepatitis or HIV from donating blood. Each donor is asked health and lifestyle questions. Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin will be checked. A trained technician will draw your blood using brand new, non-reusable sterile needles. Refreshments are available after donation.

Whole blood donors can donate blood every 8 weeks. Red cell units have a shelf life of 42 days whereas platelets have a shelf like of only 5 days. The blood supply needs to be constantly replenished, thus the need for blood never goes away.

When you give blood, you have the option of becoming a member of our Family Assurance Plan. Should you or others at your residence receive a blood transfusion at Sovah Health, a Blood Program Credit will be applied to the patient's account balance not covered by insurance. The plan goes into effect immediately and lasts for one year. You can cover a second household or receive a Donor Center Credit Card with another donation. Notify the Blood Donor Center when someone covered by the Plan uses blood.