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. 

You can donate blood if:

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

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.

NorthShore Blood Donation Safety Protocols

At NorthShore Blood Banks, we execute thorough safety protocols to help prevent the spread of any type of infection during the donation process.  In response to COVID-19 and for your own safety, we’ve implemented additional precautionary protocols including:

• All donors are temperature-screened upon arrival at NorthShore facilities. If an individual’s body temperature is above 99.5°F, the donor is asked to return another time.
• All NorthShore staff members are temperature-screened when they arrive at work, and are sent home if they present with any symptoms or test above 99.5°F. 
• Blood donors are asked to use hand sanitizer before, during and after the donation process.
• Blood Bank staff members wear a standard mask and gloves throughout the donation process, changing gloves between every donor.  
• All points of contact on donor beds are thoroughly sanitized between every donor.
• We’ve implemented social distancing space between donors wherever possible.
• We continually assess the need and opportunity to enhance our precautions. We always put the safety of our volunteer partners and staff first.