Donate blood—help make the world a better place
Did you know that every 3 seconds someone needs blood, yet less than 5% of the population donates? Every day, donors are needed for the thousands of patients who require blood transfusions. You can help up to 5 people with just 1 blood donation.
Maimonides blood donation programs
- The Blood Donor Program – Our Blood Donor Program allows you to walk-in without an appointment and give blood that directly benefits the patients at Maimonides and those who are a part of your community. In addition to general blood donations, you can donate blood for your own surgery, for a family member, or replace the blood that was used during a patient’s stay
- Autologous (Autogeneic) Blood Donor Program – You can donate your own blood for use during your surgery. Autogeneic or autologous transfusion is considered the safest method because receiving your own blood minimizes the risk of an allergic reaction. The process involves depositing 1+ pints of your own blood, 1–4 weeks in advance of your scheduled surgery. Remember, at least 3 business days are needed to process the blood before transfusion
- Directed (Designated) Blood Donor Program – Your loved ones can donate blood for you. Donors come to the hospital at least 5 days before your surgery and designate blood for you. All donations matching the required blood type will be reserved for use in your surgery
For information on apheresis donations, or to make an appointment, please contact our Blood Donor Center at (718) 283-7657
Types of blood donations
- Replacement Blood Donation – Your family can pay it forward by making donations to replace the blood that was utilized by you
- Apheresis Donations – Different patients require different blood components – either platelets, red blood cells, or plasma. TRIMA, the technology behind our apheresis donor program, allows for the simultaneous and separate collection of platelets, red cells, and plasma from whole blood
- TRIMA Apheresis collections – Are safer for patients. By donating component(s) via an apheresis donation, you ensure that the recipients of your donations are receiving a full and consistent dose of whatever component they need. You donate the quantity needed to give the maximum benefit of that component for the patient. For example, an effective dose of platelets for a recipient requires an average of 5–6 units of platelets made from whole blood from separate donors. The same effect is achieved from 1 apheresis donor, which is safer and reduces a patient’s exposure to multiple donors
Host a blood drive
Maimonides can help support your blood drive if you supply the donors and a location. We conduct blood drives in our community and provide staff, medical supplies, advertising materials, and refreshments. As an alternative, we also arrange transportation for small groups to come to our Blood Center to make donations. Help make a difference in your community and host a blood drive.
Host a blood drive! Maimonides will provide you with staff, medical supplies, advertising materials, and refreshments. For more information, call (718)-283-7657
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can donate blood?
To be eligible to donate blood, you must:
- Be in good health
- Be between 17 and 75 years old (16-year-olds are eligible with signed parental consent)
- Have not had a tattoo or body piercing within the past 12 months
- 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 3+ months in the United Kingdom between 1980–1996; or spent time that adds up to 5+ years in Europe from 1980 to the present
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Weigh more than 110 pounds
How do I prepare to donate blood?
Eat your regular meals. You do not need to fast and should not donate blood on an empty stomach. Bring a photo ID, a list of any medications you take, and reading glasses (if necessary).
What should I expect when donating blood?
The total donation process should take about 30-45 minutes. When donating flood expect the following steps:
- Registration – you will receive information about donating blood and a registration form to complete
- Medical History – a medical screener will ask you about your health history and will perform a mini-physical, which includes taking your blood pressure, temperature, and blood iron level measurements
- Donation – you will be asked to sit in a reclining chair, your arm will be sterilized, and a needle will be inserted into your vein. You will only feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted. The donation process rarely takes more than 10 minutes, and about 1 pint of blood is taken
- 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 is 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 6 times a year. Platelets can be donated through our TRIMA apheresis program up to 24 times a year, with at least a 3-day interval between donations.
How is a TRIMA Apheresis donation different from a whole blood donation?
A TRIMA Apheresis donation is when blood is drawn from your arm and channeled through continuous, sterile, single-use tubing to an automated system. TRIMA separates and collects the needed component(s), then safely returns the remaining components to you.
The Maimonides Blood Donor Center
Maimonides Blood Donor Center
4802 Tenth Avenue
Administration Bldg – 3rd Fl.
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Phone
(718) 283-7657
Hours of Operation
Tuesday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
No appointment is necessary for whole blood donations. Courtesy parking is available.
To learn more, call the Maimonides Blood Donation Center at (718) 283-7657