Donate Blood

Whole Blood Donations

Whole blood donation is the most common and flexible type of blood donation. Because it is separated into plasma, platelets, and red blood cells, it provides maximum impact across many patient needs. From emergency trauma care to ongoing cancer treatment, your donation plays a direct role in saving lives. A whole blood donation is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to save lives. During a single donation, one pint of blood is collected and separated into three vital components: plasma, platelets and red blood cells. 

The power to save lives is in each of us. A single donation can impact three lives!

Automated Donations

Automated donations use advanced technology to collect only the blood components patients need most, while safely returning the rest of your blood to you. Depending on your blood type and current demand, you may be asked to donate platelets, plasma, or double red cells. The collections staff will guide you on the option that will have the greatest impact.

Donors will need to meet the weight requirements: at least 110 lbs if age 19 or older, and for ages 16–18, a minimum of 115 lbs for males and 120 lbs for females.

Platelets 

• Why platelets matter: Platelets are lifesaving for cancer patients, bone marrow transplant recipients, and anyone at risk of dangerous bleeding. They fight infection, control bleeding, and speed recovery.
• Your impact: Since platelets last only five days, donors are always in high demand—give regularly, spread the word, and inspire others by sharing your journey.
• How often you can give: Every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. (Wait 3 days after taking aspirin before donating.)

Plasma

• Why plasma matters: Plasma carries red and white blood cells and platelets throughout the body. It’s essential for burn and trauma patients, people with clotting disorders, and those who need frequent transfusions.
• Your impact: Plasma donations restore lost fluids, support clotting, and help stabilize patients in critical care.
• How often you can give: Donate plasma every 28 days, whole blood after 1 month, or platelets after 72 hours.

Red Blood Cells & Double Red Cells

• Why red cells matter: Red blood cells are the most transfused component, vital for surgery, trauma, cancer treatment, and blood disorders.
• Your impact: A double red cell donation provides twice as many red blood cells as a whole blood donation, delivering greater support where it’s needed most.
• How often you can give: Every 112 days.

Leukopak Donations

These collections of white blood cells are essential for advancing medical research and developing new therapies. By donating leukopaks, you support breakthroughs in areas such as cancer immunotherapy, stem cell research, and treatments for autoimmune diseases. Your contribution directly fuels the discovery of life-changing therapies and future cures.

Autologous and Directed Donations

• Autologous blood transfusion is a procedure in which you are transfused with blood that you have donated only for yourself.
• Directed blood transfusion is a procedure in which the patient is transfused with blood donated explicitly for the patient by a friend or family member, with a doctor's orders.

Therapeutic phlebotomy 

(Click here to see the Guide to the Therapeutic Donation Process for full details.) 

• Therapeutic Phlebotomy: For individuals with conditions such as polycythemia or porphyria cutanea tarda, therapeutic blood draws are an important part of treatment. By visiting any Gulf Coast Blood facility, you can receive this procedure in a safe and supportive environment while helping manage your health effectively.

• Hemochromatosis Donors: Individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis can safely donate blood under FDA-approved variances. These donations help manage iron levels while also providing lifesaving transfusions for patients in need.

• Testosterone Therapy Donors: Men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy are also eligible to donate blood for transfusion through FDA-approved variances. Your donation ensures a steady blood supply and supports patients who depend on it for recovery.