How to Prepare for a Great Donor Experience

Donating blood at your local Rhode Island Blood Center is a safe, simple, and satisfying experience. Your donation helps give life to the millions of Americans each year who require blood transfusions during surgery, after an accident, or because they have a disease that requires blood components.

There are many different ways to donate lifesaving blood products, including whole blood, platelet, and automated red cell donation.

The process for whole blood and automated red cell donations usually takes about 45-60 minutes. Donating platelets can take a bit longer (approximately 2 hours).

What to Expect When You Give Blood

After your first donation, or upon request, you will receive an official RIBC Donor ID Card. You may use this card as an acceptable form of identification when you donate blood or platelets.