Donating blood is a safe and easy way to help people in need of a blood transfusion. If you are at least 17-years-old and 110 pounds, you are eligible to donate blood. Why not donate today? This guide will provide you with additional information on donating blood.

• Must be at least 17 years old to donate blood; some states will allow 16-year-olds to donatehttp://www.americasblood.org/go.cfm?do=Page.View&pid=2

• You must weigh at least 110 pounds to be a blood donorhttp://www.americasblood.org/go.cfm?do=Page.View&pid=2

• For additional eligibility information, or to schedule an appointment to donate, contact: 1-800-Give-Lifehttp://www.my-redcross.org/index.cfm/p/How-to-Prepare-for-Blood-Donation

Have you ever considered giving blood to help a family member or friend that needs a transfusion? Maybe you have thought about donating blood during a blood drive, or as part of a charity event. This page will provide you with all the necessary information on how to donate blood.

Before attempting to donate blood, you should first determine if you are an eligible donor. Some guidelines for eligibility include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. You must be at least 17 years of age to donate blood to the general blood supply. Some states allow you to donate at 16, so check the state where you live if you are not sure.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
2. Must weigh at least 110 poundshttp://www.americasblood.org/go.cfm?do=Page.View&pid=2
3. You cannot donate blood if your systolic blood pressure number is 180 or above or your diastolic blood pressure number is 100 or above. Blood pressure with these numbers is too high.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
4. You cannot donate blood if you have had a blood transfusion in the last twelve months.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
5. If you have previously donated, wait 8 weeks between whole-blood donations, 3 days between plateletpheresis donations and 16 weeks between double red cell donations.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
6. Individuals that have had virus-induced hepatitis or unexplained jaundice since age 11 are not eligible.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
7. Those that have tested positive for AIDS or HIV cannot donate blood.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
8. If you have had malaria, wait three years before donating.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
9. Must wait twelve months after receiving an organ donationhttp://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility
10. Pregnant women cannot donate blood. You must wait for six weeks after giving birth to be eligible to donate again.http://www.redcross.org/en/eligibility

There are several places you can go to donate blood. If you are donating for a specific person, this will likely be done in the hospital or clinic where the person is getting treatment. However, many people donate blood to the general population as well. This can be done at the following places:

1. Red Cross Blood Donation Service Centershttp://www.aabb.org/Content/Donate_Blood/Where_to_Donate/BloodBankLocatorMap.htm
2. Military and Federal Donation siteshttp://www.aabb.org/Content/Donate_Blood/Where_to_Donate/BloodBankLocatorMap.htm
3. Hospitals and other medical donation facilitieshttp://www.aabb.org/Content/Donate_Blood/Where_to_Donate/BloodBankLocatorMap.htm
4. Mobile Blood Drives. Contact a blood donation center near you to find out information about the date and location for the next mobile blood drive in your area.http://www.aabb.org/Content/Donate_Blood/Where_to_Donate/BloodBankLocatorMap.htm

There are certain steps you should take to prepare for a blood donation. You should:

1. Bring a photo ID with you when you go to donate blood.http://www.my-redcross.org/index.cfm/p/How-to-Prepare-for-Blood-Donation
2. Drink twice as much fluid at least 24-48 hours prior to donating blood.http://www.my-redcross.org/index.cfm/p/How-to-Prepare-for-Blood-Donation
3. Decrease your caffeine intake prior to donating.http://www.my-redcross.org/index.cfm/p/How-to-Prepare-for-Blood-Donation
4. Be prepared to answer medical and travel related questions, including countries you have visited over the last three years.http://www.my-redcross.org/index.cfm/p/How-to-Prepare-for-Blood-Donation
5. Eat regular meals before donatinghttp://www.my-redcross.org/index.cfm/p/How-to-Prepare-for-Blood-Donation