Donating Blood at The Children’s Hospital

Every year at The Children's Hospital, 8,000 units of blood products are transfused into sick and injured infants, children and teens. Without this blood, many of the lifesaving procedures performed at The Children's Hospital would not be possible. The blood you donate gives these children a better chance for a healthy life.

Blood donation does not cost money and requires little time. It does, however, make a big difference. The Children’s Hospital has devoted volunteers who donate blood on a regular basis. Unfortunately, we can still run short during times of crisis or with children that have a very specific need. Help us maintain a steady supply of the wide range of blood products that kids need!

Types of Blood Donations

• Whole blood donations, providing red cells and plasma
• Apheresis platelet donations, providing platelets, plasma or white blood cells

Other Services We Provide

• Autologous blood donations, donations a patient provides for their own use later
• Directed blood donations, donating blood to someone you know

Am I Eligible To Donate Blood?

You may be eligible to donate blood if you:

• Are in good health
• Have not donated blood in the last 56 days
• Are symptom free of a cold or flu
• Are at least 18 years of age, or 17 with written parental consent
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have not delivered a baby in the last six weeks
• Have no history of HIV/AIDS
• Have not had any tattoos or body piercings within the last year
• Have not traveled to a malaria risk area within the last year
• Answer a series of medical history/lifestyle questions which determine eligibility

You are NOT eligible to donate blood if your medical history includes:

• Blood disease
• Hepatitis or yellow-jaundice
• Kidney or liver disease
• Intravenous drug use
• Risk behaviors for AIDS