First Time Donors
First Time Donors
Whatever your reason, the need for blood is constant and you will feel good knowing your donation can help save lives.
Whatever your reason, the need for blood is constant and you will feel good knowing your donation can help save lives.
Why Give Blood
![](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcoassets/Adelaide-Weiss.jpg.transform/1288/q82/feature/image.jpeg)
- Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.
- Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.
- Some believe it is the right thing to do.
- Some do it for the free cookies and juice.
Everyone enjoys the great feeling of helping save lives!
What to Expect at Your Donation
![Registration](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/tips-photo-id.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
![Health History and Mini-Physical](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/Health-History.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
![The Donation](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/donation-process.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
![Refreshment and Recovery](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/cookie-snack.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
![Testing](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/Blood-Test.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
Can I Give Blood
General Guidelines for Blood Donation
![Teens giving blood Teens giving blood](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/donate-blood/components/Teens%20giving%20blood.jpg)
- Be in good general health and feeling well.
- Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states).
- Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
Common Concerns for First Time Blood Donors
- Afraid of needles?
- Unsure if travel or medications will prevent you from donating blood?
- Is it safe to donate?
Many people are reluctant to make their first blood donation, but once they do, they find the donation process to be easy and gratifying. Learn more about common concerns »
How to Get Ready
![](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/icons-and-badges/Health-History.png.transform/282/q70/feature/image.png)
Review Eligibility
Travel, medications and other factors may affect your eligibility. Check in advance.
![Ready to Help Save a Life?](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/donate-blood/components/help-save-a-life.jpg.transform/1288/q82/feature/image.jpeg)
Ready to Help Save a Life?
Find a convenient blood drive near you and schedule an appointment to donate today.
![Be a hero guide](/https/www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/home-page/components/donor-guide.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
New to Blood Donation?
We answer the most frequently asked questions in the new Be a Hero Donor Guide. Enter your information to learn the truth about some blood donation myths and how you can help patients.