Giving blood is easy, takes less than an hour and saves lives right here in the Cedar Valley area. Please join Benefit Health System at our ongoing blood donation drive events through the year. Your donation will help supplying our local Cedar Valley Blood Center with the blood it needs to meet the needs of our community.
About Blood Donation
Who Can Donate Blood?
Anyone in good health age 17 and over (or age 16 with parental consent) who weighs over 110 pounds can donate blood. Donors must also show a photo ID prior to donating. Youth age 16 must be accompanied by a parent giving consent.
How Should I Prepare for Giving Blood?
To prepare for donating blood, eat well and drink plenty of fluids before your donation time. Relax!
What Should I Expect When I Donate Blood? How Long Does it Take?
Donating blood takes less than one hour from the time you arrive and check-in until when you have a snack and are ready to leave.
First you'll complete a registration form with basic information and present your photo identification. Next, a medical professional will:
- Check your blood pressure, temperature, hemoglobin (iron) level;
- Take a look at your arm to make sure you are free of signs of infection; and
- Ask you confidential question to ensure you are eligible to donate blood that day.
After staff confirms your eligibility to give, you'll give blood. This only takes 5-10 minutes. Before leaving you'll be given juice and a light snack to replenish fluids lost during donation.
When Can I Give Blood?
Benefit Health System sponsors blood donation drives at its two hospitals each month. Benefit Hospital East host a blood drive the second Tuesday of each month and Benefit Hospital West hosts a blood drive the fourth Thursday of each month.
How Often Can I Donate Blood?
Though Benefit Health offers blood donation opportunities twice a month, you may only donate blood once every 56 days.
