Learn more about saving lives

Who Can Donate?

Anyone who is in good health, is at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days. **PICTURE ID ISSUED BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY IS REQUIRED TO DONATE.

Questions About Eligibility

Some health conditions or medications may temporarily or permanently prevent persons from donating blood. The Food and Drug Administration regulates all blood centers and establishes the eligibility guidelines. For more information on these guidelines please refer to "Blood Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" on the FDA's website.

Medical Conditions

AIDS-individuals at high risk and their partners - cannot donate

Colds and flu - cannot donate

Hepatitis and Jaundice after Age 11 - cannot donate

Malaria

  • visit to malaria area - one-year wait
  • residing in/moving from malaria area - three-year wait
Pregnancy
  • after delivery, miscarriage, abortion - six-week wait

Menstruation can donate

Surgery
  • without transfusion - can donate
  • with transfusion of blood or blood components - 1-year wait

Antibiotics

  • oral - 24hrs from last dose
  • injectable - seven-day wait

Allergy Medications, Diuretics, Diet Pills, Sleeping Pills, Tranquilizers, Aspirin, Tylenol - can donate

Blood Pressure Medications (Most Types) - can donate

 Vaccinations

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella - one-month wait
  • Flu - can donate
  • Hepatitis B - two-week deferral

Ear Piercing (professionally done) - can donate

Body Piercing - can donate

  • IF the piercing was performed by a sterile needle or single use tool (you should insist on this, for your protection!)
  • AND the piercing site has fully healed.

Tattooing - If your tattoo was applied ON or AFTER Jan. 1, 2013, and it was applied at a medical or licensed tattoo facility in Florida, Georgia or South Carolina, and it is completely healed – you can donate.  If you received a tattoo before Jan. 1, 2013, the wait is still one year.

Donation Process

  • Prospective donors must read educational materials.
  • Prospective donors first complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
  • The next step involves a brief physical examination of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and a test for anemia.
  • If the prescribed medical requirements are met, a unit (about one pint) of blood is drawn from the donor. Afterwards, donors are served refreshments while remaining seated for a few minutes.
  • The entire process usually takes less than one hour.

After Your donation, We Ask That You:

  • Refrain from smoking for 30 minutes
  • Keep the pressure wrap on your arm for 2 hours
  • Refrain from alcohol for 4 to 6 hours
  • Keep the adhesive bandage on for 6 hours
  • Drink plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours
  • No strenuous activity and/or heavy lifting for the remainder of the day.

You Cannot Get AIDS From Donating Blood

Only sterile, disposable equipment is used throughout the donation process, which makes it virtually impossible to contract a disease from donating blood.

Where to Donate?

Select the most convenient donation center for a map, driving directions and hours.