LifeServe Provides Facts on Blood Donor Eligibility
LifeServe Provides Facts on Blood Donor Eligibility
Community blood centers, like LifeServe Blood Center, collect approximately 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply. Annually, it takes thousands of generous volunteer donors to support local hospital patients through blood donation. Unfortunately, of the total U.S. population, 62 percent are eligible to donate, but only three percent donate blood each year.
Often, people assume they are ineligible to donate blood because there are multiple myths surrounding blood donation. For example:
Myth – I can’t donate blood because I’m on medication.
Fact – Most medications do not disqualify you from donating.
Myth – Diabetics on insulin cannot donate blood.
Fact – Diabetics on insulin can donate blood if their condition is well-managed.
Myth – I have a tattoo, so I can’t donate blood.
Fact – You can donate blood if your tattoo was done at a state-regulated tattoo shop.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, or to schedule an appointment to donate, contact LifeServe Blood Center by visiting lifeservebloodcenter.org or calling 800-287-4903.
