Blood Services

Donating blood is an important community service. Your blood can help save a life or lives!

Did you know?

• One whole blood donation helps more than one!
• Your blood contributes red blood cells (oxygen carrying capacity) and plasma (coagulation factors/hemostatsis).
• Whole blood can be given every 56-days and has a shelf-life of 42 days.
• Platelets, needed by leukemia or trauma patients, can be given up to twice a week.
• Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days. So, regular donors are always needed!

Please consider becoming a whole blood or platelet donor.

What is the process?

The process of platelet donation is called Apheresis. An Apheresis donation allows collection of platelets, plasma, and white blood cells. Blood is drawn from the donor’s arm and sent through sterile tubing into a centrifuge in a cell-separator machine. During this 2-hour process, the platelets are separated and the other blood cells are returned to the donor.

How will platelets help?

During chemotherapy and radiation, many times both cancer and healthy cells are destroyed. Blood and platelet transfusions prevent hemorrhaging in these patients or help them to fight infection. Several donors may be necessary to support one patient!

Who will benefit from my platelet donation?

Platelets collected will be used in military hospitals in the National Capital Area for sick active duty members of all branches, their families, and retirees.

Who can donate?

Healthy individuals who weigh a minimum of 116 pounds. Other factors may be considered for eligibility.

How can I get started?

See Contact Us section above for more information and to make an appointment.

Why is the need so urgent now?

Since platelets are good for only 5 days, we urgently need a pool of reliable, repeat platelet donors to replenish and maintain our supply.