High School Donation Program

Top 10 Excuses for Not Giving Blood

We’ve heard them all. We know its not the most pleasant thing in the world, but its really not that bad, if it were, donating wouldn’t be so popular!

I’m just nervous!

Hey, thats normal. Just about everyone is nervous doing anything the first time. It’s easy; you mostly just sit around and relax.

I bet it will hurt!

Initially, you’ll only feel a quick pinch of the needle. During the donation, all you will feel is good, knowing you are helping community patients.

I don’t want to get a disease from donating.

You can’t get any diseases from donating blood. Only sterile and disposable equipment is used.

They wouldn’t want my blood because of an illness I’ve had.

If you have questions about your current health or health history, check with your physician. You can also call us at (425)656-3077  to speak confidentially with one of our Eligibility Technologists. You can always email us too at [email protected]. Many illnesses, such as the cold or flu, require only temporary deferrals until you’re well again.

My blood type isn’t the right type.

Every blood type is the right type. All blood types are needed by patients all the time. Blood is perishable, so donors are constantly needed to help maintain an adequate inventory.

My insurance covers the blood I might need.

Insurance policies cover the fees for collection and transfusion, but only volunteer blood donors can supply the blood you need.

I don’t weigh enough.

If you are 18 year olds and weigh at least 110 pounds, you may donate!

First time 16 or 17 year old male donors who weigh at least 114 pounds and first time 16 or 17 year old female donors who weigh at least 125 pounds may donate with a Bloodworks Northwest permission slip signed by a parent or guardian at a mobile blood drive; this is to improve our young first time donors’ experience and minimize chances of vasovagal reaction.

16 or 17 year olds who weigh at least 114 pounds may donate with a Bloodworks Northwest permission slip signed by a parent or guardian at a BloodworksNW donor center.

I’m too young.

If you’re 18 or older you can donate! You can donate if you’re 16 or 17 if you have a signed parantal consent form from the blood center.

I’m too old.

There’s no upper age limit on donating blood. If you’re healthy you can give. However if you have questions, please check with your doctor first.

Other people must be giving enough blood.

Only 8% of western Washington’s population gives blood, and they can’t give all the time. Donors move, become pregnant, become ill, pass away or go on vacations. The need for new donors is constant, just like the need for blood and blood components. The need of community patients can only be met by people like you.

Schedule your appointment online! We’ll email or call to remind you the day before.

Giving blood is quick, easy and safe

Step 1: Read the information sheet before registration.

Step 2: Complete the confidential health history questionnaire.

Step 3: A professional collection staff member conducts a medical history interview and brief health check of your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and iron level.

Step 4: Relax! You’ll take a seat on a donor bed while a unit is collected by our specially trained staff. Only sterile and disposable equipment is used to collect your blood. The actual donation is only about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Drink plenty of fluids after your donation. Enjoy some cookies too! By now its been about an hour, or maybe less.

Quick Links

Organizing Your Blood Drive
Five steps to success. Download our PDF.

16/17 Year Old Permission Slip
Download the pdf. Read. Print. Sign!

What You Need to Know About Iron
Information and suggestions to make sure your diet is optimal for donating.

First Timer’s Guide To Giving Blood
It can be a little scary, but if it was that bad it wouldn’t be so popular.

Top Ten Excuses
We’ve heard them all!

Your gift of blood, time or money saves lives.