A Constant Need

There is a constant, urgent need for blood and platelet donors at all times. Within 48 hours of donation, your blood or platelets will have been processed, tested, and ready for use. Most recipients require multiple units of blood and/or blood products to sustain their lives while they are undergoing surgery or receiving treatment for illnesses or injuries.

How You Can Help

WHOLE BLOOD DONATION

• Whole blood can be donated every 8 weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes and includes a mini-physical, screening questions and the donation itself. The two components that are used from a whole blood donation are packed red cells and plasma. The shelf life of red cells is 42 days, and the shelf life of plasma is 1 year when frozen. Two different lives are saved with each whole blood donation. Please call 670-2798 to speak with a technician regarding whole blood donation.

DOUBLE RED CELL DONATION

• Double red cell donation on the ALYX System may be done every 16 weeks. This is a process that collects two units of red cells and returns plasma and platelets to the donor. The average procedure takes 35 minutes from set up to finish. Male donors must be at least 5'1" and weigh at least 130 pounds. A female donor must be at least 5'5" and weigh at least 150 pounds. Donors who are type O positive and O negative are encouraged to consider donation on the ALYX System. Please call 670-2798 to speak with a technician regarding double red cell donation.

PLATELET DONATION

• Platelets, which are the clotting component in the blood, can be donated every two weeks up to 24 times a year. The donation process is called apheresis and involves removing whole blood, separating the platelets, and returning the red blood cells to the donor. Platelet donors are a lifeline to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Those who are type A positive and B positive are especially needed as platelet donors. Platelets only retain their life-saving capacity for 5 days. Platelet donation is done by appointment. Please call 670-2852 to schedule your appointment to give this very special gift of life.

NOT ABLE TO GIVE BLOOD