Donate Blood

Whole Blood Donations

Whole blood donation is the most widely used form of blood donation and one of the most powerful ways to help patients in need. During a single donation, one pint of blood is collected and separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma to support a wide range of treatments, from trauma care to cancer therapy.

Autologous and Directed Donations

• An autologous donation is when a patient donates blood for their own use.
• A directed donation is when a friend or family member donates blood for a specific patient.

Both programs require written physician’s order.

Leukopak Donations

Leukopak donations collect large quantities of white blood cells through an automated process. These cells are used in advanced medical research, including cancer immunotherapy and the development of cell and gene therapies.

Automated Donations

Automated donations use advanced technology to collect only the blood components patients need most, while safely returning the rest of your blood to you. Depending on your blood type and current demand, you may be asked to donate platelets, plasma, or double red cells. The collections staff will guide you on the option that will have the greatest impact.

To check your donor eligibility, click here.

Platelets

• Why platelets matter: Platelets are lifesaving for cancer patients, bone marrow transplant recipients, trauma patients, and others at risk of severe bleeding. They help blood clot properly, preventing excessive blood loss and supporting patients through critical treatments and injuries.
• Your impact: Platelets have a short shelf life of just five days, making regular donations essential for patients who rely on them during treatment and recovery.
• How often you can give: Platelet-only donors may donate again after seven days.

Plasma

• Why plasma matters: Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that carries clotting factors, proteins, and nutrients throughout the body. It’s essential for burn and trauma patients, people with clotting disorders, and those who need frequent transfusions.
• Your impact: Plasma donations restore lost fluids, support clotting, and help stabilize patients in critical care.
• How often you can give: If you donate plasma only, you can donate plasma again in 28 days and whole blood or platelets in 2 days.
• Donated Plasma Vs. Paid Plasma: Discover the difference by reading more.       

Red Blood Cells & Double Red Cells

• Why red cells matter: Red blood cells are the most transfused component, vital for surgery, trauma, cancer treatment, and blood disorders.
• Your impact: A double red cell donation provides twice as many red blood cells as a whole blood donation, delivering greater support where it’s needed most.
• How often you can give: Every 112 days.

Therapeutic phlebotomy 

(Click here to see the Guide to the Therapeutic Donation Process for full details.) 

• Therapeutic Phlebotomy: An important part of treatment for individuals with medical conditions that cause increased red blood cells.​

• Hemochromatosis Donors: Individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis can safely donate blood to help manage iron levels while also providing lifesaving transfusions for patients in need. These donations help manage iron levels while also providing lifesaving transfusions for patients in need. These donors do not require a doctor’s order to donate if otherwise eligible as a volunteer donor, provided donations are no more frequent than every 8 weeks.

• Testosterone Therapy Donors: Individuals undergoing testosterone replacement therapy may donate blood for transfusion. Your donation ensures a steady blood supply and supports patients who depend on it for recovery. These donors do not require a doctor’s order to donate if otherwise eligible as a volunteer donor, provided donations are no more frequent than every 8 weeks.