Tips for a Successful Donation
✦ Hydrate—drink an extra 16 oz of non-caffeinated liquid (preferably water) before and after your donation.
✦ Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Don’t try to donate on an empty stomach.
✦ Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron-rich foods, including red meat, poultry, beans, leafy green vegetables, raisins, and whole grains. The level of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that contains iron) in your blood will be checked before your donation to ensure that it is safe for you to give blood.
A comprehensive list of iron-rich foods can be found here.
✦ Remember to bring your driver’s license, donor card, or two other forms of identification (make sure that one has your picture on it)!
More tips for a successful donation can be found by clicking here.
First-time donors:
Even if you are a first-time blood donor, there is no need to be nervous! Follow the tips above, and your first blood donation should go smoothly. Blood drive staff will help you feel at ease and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Additional information for first-time donors can be found here.
The minimum age to donate blood in Pennsylvania is 16, with parental permission; no permission is needed for anyone over 16. A parental consent form can be found here.
Eligibility requirements can be found on the Donation & Eligibility Facts page of our website.