January is National Blood Donor Month and highlights the importance of this lifesaving contribution. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Giving blood helps save the lives of Florida’s residents and visitors, especially after serious injury or an emergency treatment.

Individuals that are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate. One pint of blood can save three lives and takes less than an hour to donate.

The four-step donation process is easy to navigate for first time donors:

• Registration – Staff and volunteers greet donors to go over eligibility and donation information. A government issued I.D. or other form of photo identification is needed;
• Medical History / Mini-Physical – Technicians check donor’s temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level present in a sample of blood. The donor will also answer travel and health history questions in a private setting;
• Blood Donation – The total donation time takes approximately 8-10 minutes and is in a sterile and comfortable environment; and
• Refreshments – After donating, you should receive a snack or beverage to help raise your blood sugar to normal levels.

One Blood provides FAQs for before, during and after donation for an overall successful experience. Blood donation helps you to positively impact your community and save lives. For more information on donating blood, visit https://www.oneblood.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.