Are You Ready To Get Involved?

ARUP Blood Services is proud to partner with high schools across Utah to organize blood drives. High school students play a vital role in contributing to the blood supply for our local hospitals, and we are incredibly grateful for their donations.

Students can get involved by planning a blood drive, donating at a blood drive, or publicizing a blood drive.

“School-based drives are the backbone of the blood supply in America and are instrumental in securing many of the roughly 7 million blood donors who give each year.”  
- America’s Blood Centers

 

Requirements for Young Donors

In order to donate blood, young donors must:

✓ Have not donated blood in the last 6 months (180 days) 
✓ Be in good health and feel well
✓ Be at least 16 years old
✓ Weigh at least 110 lbs. (refer to our height and weight guidlines for more information)
✓ Bring a valid photo ID, student ID, or passport
✓ Bring a signed parent permission slip in either English or Spanish
 

 

How Often Can Young Donors Give?

We are committed to protecting the well-being of our donors. Young adults have a higher risk for iron deficiency because they are still growing, have increased iron needs, and have distinct dietary needs. Donating blood also removes iron from the body, which takes time to replenish. In order to maintain healthy iron levels while making a lifesaving impact, young donors should donate less frequently.

Donors 16–18 years old: Once every 6 months (180 days)

Donors 19 years or older: Once every 56 days

“This donor protection strategy is to make sure that young donors, who are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency, will have enough time to recover between blood donations.”
- Dr. Mei San Tang, MD, Medical Director of ARUP Blood Services

How To Prepare  To Donate Blood:

  • Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your donation.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch, or both if you’re donating later in the day, and avoid fatty foods.
  • Drink lots of water, including an extra 20 ounces in the 10–30 minutes before your donation.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and make sure your sleeves can be easily raised above your elbow.