Healthy blood saves lives in the crucial seconds after a vehicle accident or in the days suffering a life-threatening illness.
The Ahavas Chesed blood drives, in partnership with Maimonides Hospital, draw donations from dozens of Brooklyn residents each month. This blood is especially appreciated by patients undergoing scheduled surgery or chemotherapy who may be more comfortable receiving blood from a known source.
The Ahavas Chesed blood drives, in partnership with Maimonides Hospital, draw donations from dozens of Brooklyn residents each month.
Every hospital has different regulations for blood delivery, so Ahavas Chesed acts as the go-between for hospitals, blood banks and donors. Because we sometimes use donors multiple times for individual patients, an inspiring bond is created between patient and donor.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Donating Blood
Who Can Donate Blood?
To be eligible you must:
- Be in good health
- Be between 17 and 75 years old (16 year olds are eligible with signed parental consent)
- Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds
- Have not had a tattoo or body piercing within the past 12 months
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Have not had major dental work within the past 3 days
- Have not traveled to an area with known malaria risk in the past year
- Have not spent time that adds up to three or more months in the United Kingdom between 1980-1996; or spent time that adds up to five or more years in Europe from 1980 to the present
- Meet all other requirements
How Do I Prepare To Make A Donation?
Eat your regular meals. You do not need to fast and should not donate blood on an empty stomach. Bring photo identification, a list of any medications you take, and your reading glasses.
What Happens When I Donate Blood?
There are four basic steps in the blood donation process which together take between 30-45 minutes.
- Step 1. Registration– you will receive information about donating blood and a registration form for completion.
- Step 2. Medical History – a medical screener will ask you about your health history in a private interview area, a mini physical will be performed that includes blood pressure, temperature and blood iron level measurements.
- Step 3. Donation – you will be asked to sit in a reclining chair. Your arm will be sterilized with a swab and a sterile needle inserted into a vein – in the crook of your arm on the opposite side of your elbow. You will only feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted. The donation process rarely takes more than 10 minutes and the quanity of blood taken is about one pint.
- Step 4. Refreshments – you will be invited to sit and enjoy refreshments. Most donors are able to resume their normal activities immediately. You are advised not to engage in strenuous activities for 24 hours after your donation.
Is Donating Blood Safe?
Yes! Sterile, single use and disposable equipment is used for each donation and then safely discarded. It is not possible to acquire any disease from donating blood.
How Often Can I Donate?
You may donate every 56 days, up to six times a year.