About Blood Donation

Saving lives through blood donation connects us all. When you give blood, you’re helping cancer, trauma, and surgery patients in PNW hospitals. Give today.

What’s It Like to Give Blood?

Bloodworks will have you wrapped up in an hour or less, cookie in hand, with the warm feeling that you just gave local patients another shot at life.

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I’M AFRAID OF NEEDLES.

Our staff make even the biggest scaredy cats comfortable.

I HEAR IT HURTS.

It’s just a pinch and then you’re feline fine.

CAN’T YOU MAKE THAT IN A LAB?

No horsing around. You can’t manufacture blood: there’s no substitute.

I HAVE LOW IRON.

Don’t worry—low iron is usually temporary, and you’ll likely be able to donate again soon. On an average day, about one-in-ten donors is deferred because of a low iron level. Learn more.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

New FDA guidelines mean that more humans are eligible to donate, and we think that’s pawsome. Visit bloodworksnw.org/eligibility or call 800-398-7888

CAN PEOPLE UNDER 18 DONATE?

You can donate in WA at 16 with a parent’s permission. And in Oregon, no permission form needed.

I DON’T EAT MEAT.

Herbivore? As long as you get enough iron in your vegetarian or vegan diet, you can donate.

I PARTAKE IN LEGAL WEED.

No need to (cat)nip your cannabis use. Just save it for after your donation.

I DON’T HAVE TIME.

It just takes one hour to give blood.

How often should I donate?

Don’t furget: you can donate blood every 56 days.

There isn’t really a need. Will my donation make a difference?

1 in 7 patients entering the hospital will need blood. Don’t make us beg.

You don't need my blood type.

It takes all types. Your blood type is purr-fect. Don’t know yours? We’ll tell you after your donation.

I TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE US RECENTLY.

Most popular travel destinations won’t impact your ability to give blood, and our clinical specialists can set the record straight.

I HAVE TATTOOS OR PIERCINGS.

Tattoos have become mainstream, and most won’t impact your bloodstream. If your body art was done in a licensed shop locally or in one of 40 other approved states, there’s no wait to donate. For everything else, it’s three months.