To donate blood or host a blood drive
please contact 1-800-GIVELIFE or contact:
Jay Spencer-Regional Representative,
Donor Resources Development
Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region
100 Mack Ave.
P.O. Box 33351
Detroit, Michigan 48232
Phone 877-505-9438
E-Mail:SpencerJa@usa.redcross.org
What are the requirements for giving blood?
To give blood for transfusion to another person, you must be
at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not
have donated blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days) or a
donation of double red cells in the last 16 weeks (111
days). "Healthy" means that you feel well and can perform
normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as
diabetes or high blood pressure "health" also means that you
are being treated and the condition is under control.
How long does it take to give blood?
It takes approximately one hour to donate blood, which
includes a brief examination prior to the donation process,
during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood
count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured. After the
donation process is complete, you will spend a few minutes
in our canteen area to enjoy refreshments and allow your
body time to adjust to the slight loss in fluid volume.
Then, you can continue to go about your normal daily
activities.
Does donating blood hurt?
Donors may feel a slight sting in the beginning, lasting
only a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort
during the donation.
Are blood donors paid?
No. Blood collected at the American Red Cross for
transfusion in the United Stated is given by volunteer blood
donors.
Is there such a thing as artificial blood?
No. This is why blood donors are so vital to the lives of
those who are in need of blood.
How can my business/organization host a blood drive?
Call 1-800-GIVELIFE or contact:
Jay Spencer-Regional Representative, Donor Resources
Development
Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region
100 Mack Ave.
P.O. Box 33351
Detroit, Michigan 48232
Phone 877-505-9438
E-Mail:SpencerJa@usa.redcross.org
More
Blood Information
Today, there are approximately 15,000 paid staff and
thousands of volunteers who work for American Red Cross
Biomedical Services. Nearly six million volunteer blood
donations are made to the Red Cross each year, making the
Red Cross the nation's largest blood supplier. The Red Cross
also provides tissue for nearly one-fifth of all
transplantation surgeries. Additionally, the Red Cross
develops, tests, and implements training programs in areas
such as the operation of sophisticated blood testing
laboratories and the selection of donors.
Quality Improvements
The following improvements help keep our blood supply
safe:
Newly established Quality Assurance program at all site.
All blood testing consolidated at new state-of-the-art labs
in eight sites.
Technology-driven training institute endorsed by the Food
and Drug Administration.
Research
The Red Cross operates one of the largest, most
prestigious blood research laboratories in the world,
staffed by world-renowned scientists. Each year, the Red
Cross oversees dozens of scientific research projects, both
basic and applied, to improve the safety, purity, and
efficacy of blood. In addition, the Red Cross maintains a
system of national reference laboratories to help physicians
resolve complex serological problems and identify rare
blood. Hospital blood bank technologists call the Red Cross
every day to resolve special blood typing issues so that
they can safely transfuse their patients.
Related Links
National Blood Safety Information
