• Donating blood saves lives when unexpected events occur.blood donation image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Situations that may require a blood transfusion include accidents, emergencies and medical procedures. Unfortunately, hospitals don't always have enough of this life-saving substance on hand when needed. Regular blood donations make it possible to keep a supply on hand at all times when these unexpected events occur.
  
  

Health

• Blood donors must not have any illnesses or diseases that could be transmitted through the donated blood; they must also be in good health, and keep conditions such as diabetes under control. Medical professionals perform a brief medical exam and discussion of health and medical history before donation to ascertain the health and well being of the donor.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• The minimum legal age to donate blood in most states is 17 years of age. Some states may allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors over the age of 18 must weigh at least 110 pounds; additional weight limitations apply to high school students.
  
  

Frequency

• There are four types of donation types with varying degrees of donation frequency. Whole blood may be donated every 56 days, while double red cell donors must wait 112 days between donations. Platelet donors can donate every 7 days, and plasma donors must wait 28 days between donations.
  
  

Deferred Donors

• Not everyone who wants to donate can, and some people are deferred for a number of reasons. Common deferral reasons include cold or flu symptoms, iron deficiency and recent medication usage. Deferred donors can try to donate again once the illness has cleared up or iron levels have returned to normal.
  
  

Before Donating

• To ensure a pleasant experience while donating, sleep well the night before and eat before your appointment. Drink fluids such as juice or milk and eat iron rich foods such as red meat, nuts or leafy green vegetables to combat anemia. Donation will take approximately one hour, beginning with registration, a mini-physical and health history.