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Yes, you can donate the gift of life through blood. One donation of blood can help save up to three patient’s lives. Cascade Regional Blood Services provides blood services to the community hospitals throughout Pierce and South King counties. We need your help to meet the ever increasing need for blood in our community.
Some locations and mobile blood drives require appointments and give priority service to donors with appointments. Others accept walk-ins. Call toll-free 1-877-24-BLOOD to connect with a donor center in your area.
You can donate whole blood every eight weeks, with each donation taking 40-50 minutes. You can donate for the community, for yourself when prescribed prior to surgery, or for a specific family member or friend. Blood is collected at hundreds of blood drives held each year at schools, businesses, churches and civic organizations, as well as at our three CRBS donor centers.
Patients depend on dedicated donors who give regularly. Cascade Regional Blood Services invites you to join one of our many programs: Whole Blood program, Platelet Apheresis program, Double Red Cell program, Baby Blood Member, Rare Blood Donor Club, or Blood Buddies program. Some members of these programs are recognized for their contributions and outstanding community support at our annual donor appreciation event. Remember, you can give whole blood every eight weeks – your blood type is always needed.
Blood is a liquid. It is pumped throughout the body by the heart, through a network of miles and miles of blood vessels. The average adult body contains about 10-12 pints of blood. Blood contains many substances – red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets, plus various nutrients and minerals. Each plays an important part in keeping your body healthy and growing.
Blood has four major jobs:
- It carries oxygen to the bodies’ cells.
- It distributes nutrients to the bodies’ cells so that they can create energy.
- It carries special blood cells and chemicals, which defend the body against infections and injuries.
- It removes waste products from the bodies’ cells.
View our Facts About Donating Blood and What You Should Know Before Donating informational sheets, or visit our About Blood section for more information.
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