Requirements

• Eligibility: To donate you must be 17 years old, or older. Weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. There is no maximum age limit.
  
• Diet: It is advisable to eat a low-fat well-balanced meal at least 4 hours before giving blood. Also drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your donation.
  
• Donation Interval: Donors are eligible every 56 days.
  
• Identification: All donors will be asked for identification including their name, social security number and birth date. *** Beginning in 2004: ALL donors must present a valid driver's license at the time of their donation.

Tips

• Drink extra fluids before your donation.
  You can begin to drink extra fluids the day before your donation. Water a nd juices are great, but avoid a lot of caffeine.
  
• Be sure to eat.
  Don't skip breakfast or lunch on the day of your blood donation. Your body will need extra energy to donate a pint of blood. You will also feel better after donating if you have eaten a meal a few hours before. Women should eat foods high in iron before donating in order to ensure a safe hemoglobin level.
  
• No strenuous exercise before or after donating.
  If you do exercise before donating, be sure to drink even more fluids to replace what you lost during your workout.
  
• Don't drink hot liquids, smoke, or chew gum just prior to donating.
  They can cause your temperature to be falsely elevated.
  
• Wear comfortable clothing.
  Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow, as well as something that you feel comfortable in while on the bed during the donation process.
  
• Relax.
  You may feel a little nervous, especially if this is your first time donating blood. Most people find that donating blood is much easier than they imagined and fun too!
  

Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543)
Give Blood- the Gift of Life