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Get ready to donate

Am I eligible to donate?

Most healthy adults are eligible. Here's what to know before your appointment — and where to check if a medication or recent travel affects your visit.

  • At least 17 years old (16 with parental consent)
  • At least 110 lbs
  • Feeling well today
  • Photo ID at check-in
Make an appointment Check medications Check travel
Donors smiling in front of the Northern California Community Blood Bank Bloodmobile

Donor requirements

Most healthy adults are eligible to donate.

A quick health screen at check-in confirms your eligibility. Bring a photo ID and a list of any medications.

17 years or older

16 with parental consent in California.

Weigh at least 110 lbs

Additional height/weight rules for younger donors.

Feeling well today

No cold, flu, or fever on the day of donation.

56-day wait between donations

Platelets and plasma have different intervals.

Am I eligible to donate?

Explore eligibility topics

Everything you need to know before your first — or next — donation.

Medication Deferral List

Certain prescriptions require a temporary waiting period before donating.

See list on this page

Travel Information

Recent international travel may require a temporary wait — see common travel-related deferrals.

See list on this page

Blood Donor Educational Material

Required reading covering the donation process, risks, and your rights.

View PDF

Ebola Disease Educational Material

Required Ebola disease information for blood donors, including exposure history and reporting.

View PDF

Risks of Blood Donation

Blood donation is safe. Learn about the rare side effects and how we care for you.

View PDF

Parental Consent Form (16 years old)

Sixteen-year-old donors must bring a signed parental consent form.

View PDF

Equal Screening for All

Under updated FDA guidance, every donor answers the same individual donor assessment — regardless of gender or orientation.

Learn more →

Medications

Medications we can't donate on

Most prescriptions are fine. A short list requires a temporary wait before you can donate. Bring your medication list to your appointment — our staff will confirm.

Full medication deferral list (PDF)
Blood thinners (Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa)
Wait: Talk to us — varies
Antibiotics for an active infection
Wait: Until treatment ends & you feel well
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Wait: 1 month after last dose
Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
Wait: 1 month after last dose
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Wait: 6 months after last dose
Growth hormone from human pituitary glands
Wait: Permanent deferral

Travel

Recent travel and donation

Most trips don't affect your eligibility, but certain destinations require a temporary wait before you can donate. If you've traveled recently — especially internationally — let our staff know at check-in and we'll confirm together.

Deferrals are based on current FDA guidance and can change. When in doubt, call (707) 443-8004 before your appointment.

Malaria-risk countries
Wait 3 months after returning from an area with malaria transmission risk (parts of Africa, Asia, Central & South America).
Extended stay in the UK, Ireland, or France
Previous variant-CJD deferrals for time spent in these countries have been eliminated by the FDA — most donors are eligible.
Ebola-affected areas
Wait 8 weeks after leaving a country with active Ebola virus transmission.
Zika virus exposure area
Currently no travel-based Zika deferral for most donors — talk with our staff about recent symptoms.
Not sure about your destination?
Bring your travel dates and country list to your appointment — our staff will check the current CDC list with you.

Our donors

You belong here

Thousands of neighbors across the North Coast donate every year. If you're healthy and meet the basic requirements, there's a good chance you can too.

Donor relaxing during a blood donation
Relaxing at our Eureka center
Two donors smiling together
Regulars who make giving a habit
Bloodmobile parked at the Carson Mansion
Donating on the road with the Bloodmobile

Frequently asked questions

Answers before your first donation.

How long does a blood donation take?
Plan on about 45 minutes for whole blood — registration, a brief health screening, 8–10 minutes of actual collection, and a snack in our canteen. Apheresis (platelets or plasma) takes 1.5–2 hours.
How much blood is taken?
A whole blood donation is about one pint. Adults typically have 10–12 pints, and your body replaces the fluid within 24 hours.
How often can I donate whole blood?
Every 56 days. Platelet donors can give every 7 days (up to 24 times per year) and plasma donors every 28 days.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
You must be at least 17 (16 with written parental consent in California). There's no upper age limit as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements and feel well.
Will I find out my blood type?
Yes — we tell you your blood type for free after your first donation. It's one of the easiest ways to learn something important about your health.
Is donating blood safe?
Yes. We use sterile, single-use collection kits and follow FDA and AABB safety standards. You cannot get any disease from donating.
How does giving blood affect me?
For most donors the impact is minimal. Fluid levels return to normal within 24 hours, and your body replaces the pint you gave over the following weeks.
How should I prepare to donate?
Eat a healthy meal, drink extra water in the 24 hours before, get a good night's sleep, and bring a photo ID.
What is the universal blood type?
O-negative is the universal red cell donor and can be given to patients of any type — which is why we need it most in trauma cases. AB donors (both AB-positive and AB-negative) are the universal plasma donors, since Rh factor doesn't matter for plasma.
Do you pay donors?
No. California and FDA regulations require an all-volunteer blood supply, and research shows volunteer donations are safer. The Northern California Community Blood Bank is a volunteer-supported nonprofit.
Are the health history questions required every time?
Yes. The FDA requires every donor to answer the health history questions at every visit — guidelines change, and it's the best way to keep the blood supply safe.
Can I donate if I take medication?
Most medications do not disqualify you. Bring a list of what you take and our staff will confirm during screening. See our medication deferral list on the eligibility page.
How can I raise my iron level?
Iron-rich foods like red meat, dark leafy greens, beans, and raisins — or a multivitamin with iron — can help. Some donors are temporarily deferred if iron is low; it protects your health.
Can I bring my kids with me?
Yes, in the waiting or canteen areas. For safety and confidentiality, children aren't allowed in the screening room or collection area. Our staff love answering their questions.
Where does my donation go?
We prioritize local patients first — donations support hospitals across Humboldt and Del Norte counties before any surplus is shared with the broader network.
Are you affiliated with the Red Cross?
No. The Northern California Community Blood Bank is an independent nonprofit that exclusively serves patients and hospitals on the North Coast.

Ready when you are

Book your appointment today.

Call our donor line or make an appointment online. Walk-ins are welcome at our Eureka donor center and every mobile blood drive, but appointments are encouraged and guarantee your preferred time.

(707) 443-8004 Make an appointment
Donor center hours
  • Monday8 AM – 6 PM
  • Tuesday8 AM – 6 PM
  • Wednesday8 AM – 7 PM
  • Thursday8 AM – 6 PM
  • Friday8 AM – 4 PM
  • Sat & SunClosed
2524 Harrison Ave
Eureka, CA 95501