Become a Blood Donor Today

There is no substitute for human blood

Consider the implications of this fact. There simply is no substitute for this life-giving fluid. No research team anywhere in the world can successfully replicate blood.

And yet, the demand continues. Every day, Memorial supplies blood for surgical patients, emergency room patients and those who need regular transfusions to cope with cancer treatments (these patients may use eight units of blood during every week of treatment).

In addition, we must meet an ongoing need for blood platelets. Unlike blood or plasma, which can be frozen, platelets must be stored at room temperature and are only viable for five days.

Blood Drives

You can donate blood at Memorial Hospital Central's Blood Bank or at a Memorial-sponsored mobile blood drive. Mobile blood drives are free and open to the public.

Sun, Nov 22: Divine Redeemer Church
1520 E. Yampa, Colorado Springs (Alcove Community Room)
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thu, Dec 17: Memorial Hospital Central
1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs (Colorado Conference Room, Basement)
9:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m.

Mon, Dec 21: Memorial Hospital North
4050 Briargate Pkwy., Colorado Springs (Pinecreek Rooms A & B)
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tue, Dec 22: Memorial Administration Center (MAC)
2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs (Training Room B)
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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The Blood You Give Stays in Our Community!

When you donate blood at Memorial Hospital Central's Blood Bank or at a Memorial-sponsored mobile blood drive, your blood stays right here in the community - ready to help other members of your community.

Why is it important to know this?

• Your blood donation to this Colorado Springs blood bank helps to meet a critical and ongoing need for blood in our community.
• We never sell your blood to other hospitals or medical facilities. Except on rare occasions to meet severe national emergencies, your blood won't be shipped out of town.
• Out-of-town organizations claim they share donated blood with Colorado Springs hospitals. Not true! A company named Bonfils, for example, is a for-profit blood center based in Denver. They set up mobile blood drives in Colorado Springs and imply that they work "in partnership" with local hospitals to meet the blood needs of patients in our community. In actuality, the blood that Bonfils collects has little, if any, chance to be used by patients in our community. Rather, blood that is collected by Bonfils is sold to hospitals with desperate shortages at exorbitant prices.

Ready to Learn More About Donating Blood? Here Are Five Popular Myths.

• Myth #1: "I only need to give blood when there’s an emergency." Wrong! The time to give is now! Our community has an ongoing need for blood, and we work hard simply to meet this ongoing need. Giving blood during an emergency is generous; however, blood must be carefully processed and tested before it can be used, which takes about 24 hours. 
• Myth #2: "I have a common blood type, so I don’t need to donate." Not true. All blood types are needed. Keep in mind that the most common blood types are the most frequently transfused. 
• Myth #3: "You can only donate blood every six months." You may donate blood every eight weeks. Think about how many people you can help if you donate blood up to six times a year. In fact, someone who begins donating blood when they're 16 years old, could potentially donate more than 300 times and help over 900 patients by the time they turn 70.
  
• Myth #4: "I need to fast before giving blood." Wrong again! Be sure to eat a good breakfast or lunch, drink plenty of fluids (although not caffeine) and get plenty of rest the night before. 
• Myth #5: "I can donate blood for a relative who’s planning a surgery." No, you might share DNA, but you might not share the same blood type. When you give blood, it's tested, processed and entered into the blood supply. But, remember, the nation's blood supply (including Memorial Health System's) is extremely safe. In fact, thanks to a wide variety of precise testing, blood transfusions are safer than ever.

“I’m Ready to Give Blood! What Do I Need to Know?”

General donor requirements follow:

• Be at least 18 years old (16 with signed parental consent).
• There is no upper age limit, as long as you’re in good health.
• You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
• You must be free of any illnesses and symptom-free for 72 hours (for example: cold, flu and sore throat).
• You cannot have a history of serious heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease or any chronic illness.
• You cannot be pregnant or have been pregnant in the last six weeks.

» Click here for the full list of Donor Requirements and what to expect when you donate blood (pdf).

Follow these recommendations to prepare for a blood donation:

• Eat a good breakfast or lunch.
• Drink plenty of fluids (not caffeine).
• Get plenty of rest the night before.
• Avoid exercising immediately before donating blood.
• Bring a list of medications you're currently taking. The following common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are permitted: medications for blood pressure, antidepressants, oral medications for diabetes, acne medication except for penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, allergy medications, decongestants and birth-control prescriptions.

Host a Donor Event

Approximately 75 percent of the blood that Memorial Health System transfuses comes from mobile drives. This is a critical way to acquire blood to meet our community's needs. Click here to learn more about how to host a donor event.

Remember, There Is No Substitute For Blood. Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Location: Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St.

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (appointments appreciated).

Contact Us: Please call today. Don't wait another day to help someone in need.

Related Links

» Memorial Health System’s Blood Transfusion Services