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The demand for blood in our region continues to grow. Central Blood Bank must collect more than 200,000 units of blood each year to meet the transfusion needs of local patients. Our current deficit is approximately 30,000 units.
Approximately 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood but only five percent do. These are the basic qualifications to donate blood. This list offers
only general guidelines. Please contact our Medical Help Desk at 1-866-DONORS-1
ext. 7160 or 7035 with specific questions regarding eligibility or the donation process.
You are eligible to
donate blood if you
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Are in good physical health
- Are at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit
- Have not donated whole blood in the past 56 days
You are not eligible to donate blood if you
- Have hepatitis
- Are pregnant
- Have ever tested positive for HIV, have engaged in high risk behavior, or have had intimate contact with anyone at risk for AIDS
- Have Babesiosis or Chagas Disease
You may be
temporarily ineligible to donate blood if you
- Have the flu, a sore throat, or fever on the day of donation
- Are taking antibiotics for an infection
- Received a tattoo, had your ear or another body part pierced
using non-sterile, non-single-use equipment, or
experienced an accidental needle stick injury in the
past 12 months
- Have had heart problems
- Received a blood transfusion in the past 12 months
- Have recently been vaccinated.
Flu shots do not impact eligibility
- Have a history of cancer
- Traveled to or lived in a malaria area
- Have recently had a sexually transmitted disease
Many medications do not impact eligibility, including those for high blood pressure, allergies, birth control pills, vitamins, and diet pills. This list covers basic qualifications for donors. It is not complete. If you have questions regarding eligibility, contact one of our Medical Help Desk at 1-866-DONORS-1 ext. 7160 or 7035.
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