Are donor center and blood drive staff required to wear a face mask?

We are currently following recommendations by the CDC about face masks as well as how to properly defend against COVID-19. Currently it is mandated for our staff to wear a mask at donor centers and blood drives, even though they are dealing with a healthy population. Versiti staff members are following many new safety measures to ensure donor safety, as well as their own.

Is it safe to donate due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The donation process itself poses no risk of infecting a donor with coronavirus. If you’d like to donate blood, you are able to as long as you’ve been symptom free for 14 days. We are monitoring and adhering to guidance from the FDA. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Can I donate if I’ve received the Covid-19 vaccination?

Individuals must wait two days after the day of vaccination to donate blood or platelets.

Why should I donate Blood?

This is a volunteer opportunity like no other. Versiti is the only provider of blood to the community hospitals where you live and work. Medical technology has provided many life-saving discoveries over the years, but there is still no substitute for blood. In a medical emergency, often the most important element is the availability of blood. Your blood donation can help:

• Trauma victims
• Surgery patients
• Premature babies
• People with anemia

Can I donate if I take medications?

Most medications will not defer you from donating blood. Before you make an appointment, however, check our medication deferral list. If you are currently taking antibiotics for an infection, you will be eligible to donate two days after your course of treatment is complete.

What about my Health History?

There are a few additional conditions that may prevent you from donating, including:

• Receiving any blood transfusions in the last three months.
• A history of hepatitis B or C
• High risk for HIV/AIDS
• If you've ever taken Tegison
• If you used needles to take anything not prescribed by your physician in the past 3 months.

Can I donate if I’ve traveled to foreign countries?

The short answer is yes. There are some exceptions that may defer you from donating, including:

• If you spent a total of five years in France and Ireland for 5 years from 1980-2001 (risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).
• If you spent 3 months or more in the UK from 1980-1996.
• If you have traveled to an area affected by malaria in the past year, we ask that you wait three months from the time you returned home before donating blood.
• If you have ever had malaria, you must be symptom-free for three years.

What form of Identification (ID) is needed to donate?

The following forms of ID with a birth date and photo will be accepted:

• Driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• Student identification card
• Passport, visa or green card

Can I donate if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Pregnant women are not eligible to donate blood - your body needs all the nutrients it can get! We recommend speaking with your doctor at your 6-week postpartum appointment to verify whether or not it is OK for you to start donating blood again.

Women who are breastfeeding are eligible to donate. Most nursing mothers say that eating a healthy meal before donating and staying hydrated before, during and after helps ensure a successful donation.