A Gift From the Heart
A gift straight from the heart for your local community to save lives for accident victims, hemophiliacs, cancer patients, and surgery patients. One in every seven patients in the hospital needs blood and saves the life of friends, family, and even oneself. Blood is unique as it cannot be manufactured but only donated to patients in urgent need, and it is needed every two seconds for patients. Consider the following information on how you can give the gift of life straight from the heart to care for your community and loved ones.
Four easy steps to donate blood: medical history, quick physical, donation, and snacks.
Are you eligible to save a life?
- Must be at least 16 years of age to donate blood, with no upper age limit
- Be at least 5’4” tall and weigh at least 110 pounds
- Have a photo identification card
- Be generally in good health
Four Ways to Donate Blood Collections:
- Whole Blood is mainly used for trauma and surgery.
- Platelets are used for surgeries and transplants and to assist cancer patients through chemotherapy
- Plasma is used to help burn victims and those with bleeding disorders.
- Double Red Blood cells are used for trauma, surgery, anemia, blood loss, and disorders
Blood Donation Process:
- Schedule an appointment at your local blood donation center
- Answer a pre-screening questionnaire (Information is confidential)
- If all requirements are met blood collection process begins
- 1 pint of blood is collected by a certified phlebotomist
- Enjoy a moment of relaxation at the donor cafe
Find a Blood Donation Drive
The Gaston County Family YMCA often works with blood donation organizations to host blood drives right at our branches. You can see any upcoming schedule blood drives at our locations on our Events Calendar or schedule your own appointment with these organizations: