Blood Donation

Looking for a way to help others and save lives during these challenging times? You can do your part by scheduling an appointment to donate blood.

What is blood made up of?

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Each component of blood plays a vital role in our health.

• Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to our organs and tissues.
• White blood cells fight infections and destroy cancer cells.
• Platelets help stop bleeding by forming a clot at sites of blood vessel injury.
• Plasma contains various proteins, lipids (fats) and other essential nutrients and helps stabilize blood clots formed by platelets.

What can I expect when donating?

You can donate blood if:

• You are 17 years old or older
• You are in good health
• You weigh more than 110 pounds

Blood donation starts with a health questionnaire and wellness exam (which includes blood pressure, temperature, pulse checks, and a hematocrit test - which measures the percent of red blood cells in the blood) to make sure you’re healthy enough to donate. After this initial screening, the donation process only takes about 30 minutes or less for whole blood donations or about 90 minutes for platelet donations. Platelet donation takes longer because it requires a collection process known as apheresis which allows the blood bank to collect your platelets (and some plasma), while returning the rest of your blood back to you. After the donation, you will have time to relax with snacks and refreshments. This is a great time to schedule your next donation, tell your friends you donated, and encourage them to donate as well!

What impact will my donation have?

NorthShore’s hospitals use more than 10,000 units of blood annually. A single trauma patient can use 20 or more units. Blood donated by generous volunteers ensures an adequate supply of blood when and where it is needed. These donations provide an invaluable local resource that serves the many residents of NorthShore’s service area.

The blood that flows through our veins is truly life-sustaining. Whether required to treat traumatic injuries or used during elective surgery, blood transfusion made possible by volunteer blood donors saves the lives of our patients every year.

Where can I donate and how can I schedule an appointment?

You may donate blood at NorthShore Evanston, Glenbrook, or Highland Park Hospitals. An appointment is preferred although walk-ins are accepted at Evanston Hospital Monday, Wednesday, Thursday between 8 and 2:45 pm, Glenbrook Hospital Tuesday between 8 and 2:45pm, and Highland Park Hospital Friday between 8 and 2:45 pm. Additional evening hours are available upon request.

A red blood cell donation takes 30 minutes or less after initial screening, and a platelet donation takes 90 minutes or less after initial screening.  Also, donors receive a free wellness exam that includes blood pressure, temperature and pulse checks and a hemoglobin/iron test. 

As many businesses and organizations limit all “non-essential” activity, donating blood is an essential activity as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  It’s a critical component of community health and public preparedness plans to maintain blood collection during this challenging time to ensure adequate patient care and survival. Please watch this video to learn more from the CDC about the urgent need for blood donations.

It’s important to note that there have been no reported cases of any respiratory virus transmitted by blood—including COVID-19. Blood donation remains a safe process, and members of the community should not hesitate to give the gift of life during this health crisis. NorthShore’s Blood Bank is taking every precaution to protect our loyal blood donors and staff.

To help keep you and our staff safe, an appointment is required to donate blood at NorthShore Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park or Swedish Hospital.

To schedule an appointment, please call 847.570.2242 or email donateblood@northshore.org.