Blood Drive

Emanuel will be hosting a blood drive this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Pearson Hall on the lower level. We appreciate the gift of anyone who can donate! Here are some guidelines as to who can donate:

• You must be between the ages of 16 and 76. 16 year old donors must have parental permission on the NYBC Form each time they donate. Donors age76 or older can donate with a note from your MD dated within the past year.

• You must have photo or signature I.D. with you when you come to donate.  Student-age donors also need proof of age.  Your signed NYBC Donor Card meets these requirements.  Social Security number is NO LONGER REQUIRED!

• You must weigh at least 110 pounds.  There are additional height and weight requirements for donors between the ages of 16 and 18.

• You must wait at least 8 weeks (56 days) between whole blood donations and at least 16 weeks (112 days) between double red cell (ALYX) donations.  You must wait 3 days after making a platelet donation before you can donate whole blood.

• You must be in general good health and feeling well on the day of the donation.  If you have had a cold or ordinary virus, you must wait at least 72 hours after you are symptom-free.  If you are on an antibiotic, you may donate after you have taken the last dose, as long as you are symptom-free. 

• You must wait at least 12 months after getting a tattoo (unless the tattoo was done in the State of New Jersey since 1/1/08) or any piercing (that was not done under sterile conditions-  single use/sterile needle) before you can donate.  

• Most medications do not disqualify you from donating.  There is a specific list of medications that are prohibited.  If you have any questions about a medication you are taking, please call our Medical Eligibility number at 1-800-688-0900.

• People with a History of Cancer can resume donating under the following conditions:

1. Skin cancer: Localized basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma: acceptable if completely excised and healed; 

2. Carcinoma-in-situ (stage where cancer cells are still within their site of origin) of the vulva, cervix or breast; papillary thyroid carcinoma: acceptable after completion of therapy.

3. Leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and multiple myeloma: permanent deferral (cannot resume donating).  

4. All other cancers, including melanoma, in remission for at least one year are acceptable.

NOTE: Tamoxifen and other medications used for breast cancer preventative treatment are acceptable provided the donor meets all other criteria related to cancer.

• Due to the risk of “mad cow” disease and malaria, certain restrictions are placed on blood donations by people who have lived in or recently traveled to high risk areas.  If you have any questions about these restrictions, please call our Medical Eligibility number at 1-800-688-0900.

• EAT AND DRINK BEFORE DONATING!  

Don't worry if you're afraid of needles. We all are! And your sacrifice will go a long way to helping those who desperately need it.