Blood Donation
Providence is honored to work with the American Red Cross in helping meet the needs of local communities when blood supplies are low.
The American Red Cross is a reliable and trusted source for blood, both locally and across the nation. To find a blood drive near you, or set up a donation appointment, please call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcross.org/give-blood.
Out of every 10 hospitalized patients, at least one will need blood to save their life. You can be the one to provide it.
Donating blood is quick, simple and safe. Most donations only remove about a pint of blood, which your body replaces within hours. A single blood donation from you can save up to thee lives.
Donors must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. All blood types are accepted and needed.
If you were unable to donate in the past, you may be eligible to donate blood now. Common reasons why people cannot donate blood include:
- Active symptoms of the cold, flu and other illnesses
- Medications that are still in the blood stream
- Low iron
- Traveling to malaria-risk countries in the past three years
Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Platelets are vital for surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. In the US, platelets are needed every 30 seconds.
Platelet donations takes approximately three hours. Both arms are used during a platelet donation. A machine is used to extract just your platelets and then returns the rest of your blood back to you.
Platelet donations can only be given at American Red Cross Donation Centers and it requires an appointment. Platelet donations cannot be given at blood donations. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your appointment.