Who Can Donate Blood? Eligibility Requirements Explained | Interview with Dr. Courtney Lawrence

In this video, Danny Parra interviews Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Division Chief Medical Officer of the American Red Cross, to explain the eligibility requirements for blood donation and why they matter for both donors and patients.

Learn:
1. 0:30 Basic eligibility requirements:
o Age: at least 16 years old
o Weight: at least 110 pounds
o Must be feeling well on the day of donation
o In some cases, there are variations to the height and weight guidelines
2. 2:00 Why eligibility matters:
o To protect the health and safety of donors
o To ensure safe blood products for patients
3. Common questions answered:
o 2:58 Tattoos: You can donate if your tattoo was applied at a state-regulated facility. If not, you must wait 3 months. For a full list of requirements visit
o 3:44 LGBTQ+ donors: The FDA updated guidelines to remove questions based on sexual orientation and to provide all donors an individual risk assessment. All donors are asked the same eligibility questions, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
o 4:55 Travel outside the U.S.: Eligibility depends on where you traveled and for how long.
o 5:59 Health conditions: People with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or prediabetes can often still donate if they are feeling well.
o 5:31 Medications: Some may require a temporary or permanent deferral. A full list is available online.

Key Topics Covered:
• 1:24 Eligibility guidelines for blood donation
• 2:58 Tattoos, medications, and health conditions explained
• 3:44 FDA guidelines and updates for donor eligibility
• 4:55 How travel impacts donation eligibility
• 6:22 Volunteer opportunities if you are not able to donate

Why It Matters
Blood donation requirements are designed to protect both donors and patients. Following eligibility guidelines ensures that the blood supply is safe, strong, and ready when patients need it most.

Find out if you’re eligible and schedule your donation today at https://RedCrossBlood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor app at https://redcrossblood.org/blood-donor....

For more information donor eligibility you can call a blood donor counselor at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit our website at https:/redcrossblood.org/faq.html

#DonateBlood #BloodDonationEligibility #AmericanRedCross #SaveLives #HealthEducation