Give hope this spring and donate blood. Please join us at Southside Church and donate blood on Friday, April 17^th between 12pm-5pm – play your part in saving lives!

Help hope bloom! Give blood 4/13-4/30 for a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Click here to schedule your appointment (walk-ins welcome too)! CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

Why Give Blood?

• About 1 in 3 people will need a blood transfusion. 1 in 7 hospital patients need blood.
• It only takes about 5-10 minutes to donate blood. Donors spend approximately 45 minutes at the blood drive from the moment they walk in, to the time they finish their last cookie.
• One donation can save more than one life.
• You can find out what your blood type is!
• You get a free mini physical exam including pulse, bp and hemoglobin check via sensor. No more finger poke.
• You can follow your blood journey by downloading the Red Cross Blood App and find out what hospital your blood is transported to when it is being transported!

Give it a try and see how easy it is! Check out this video from first time donors: https://youtu.be/kIyhotwy1gk?si=4Ybd7tI9dwH6Wchz

Common Questions about Medications and blood donation.

• Cold, Flu and other types of illness: If you don’t feel well on the day of your donation, we are happy to see you 24 hours after your symptoms have passed.
• Information about medications: Most medications will not disqualify you from donating blood.

• Antibiotics- if you are on an antibiotic for an acute infection, you cannot donate until you have taken your last dose. Antibiotics to prevent an infection are acceptable for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, dry eye, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, or valvular heart disease.

• Birth Control- acceptable
• Insulin- Acceptable as long as diabetes is well controlled.
• Other medications: Over the counter including ADHD Medications, Antidepressants, Anxiety Medications, Ibuprofen, Aspirin (for Whole Blood and Power Red Cell donations only), supplements and vitamins are all okay.

Tattoo and Piercing Update:

• Tattoos are acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state regulated facility. If a tattoo was applied in a non-state regulated facility, you must wait 3 months.
• Piercings are acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable. Wait 3 months if a piercing was performed using a reusable gun or instrument.

Important Reminders for blood donors:

• Drink plenty of extra fluids starting a few days before the blood drive.
• Do not skip breakfast the day of the blood drive.
• 16-year old’s need a parents permission slip- attached.
• Please bring your ID or donor card and arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• If you have extra time prior to your arrival, consider completing Rapid Pass https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html