Whether you’re an experienced donor or looking to give for the first time, donating blood is a simple yet effective way to make a positive impact on local lives.

Places to donate blood in San Jose

American Red Cross, 2731 N. First St.
Schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets, or plasma at this permanent Red Cross location.

Stanford Blood Center, 295 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell
Type O and AB donors are especially in need, but all blood types are welcome to give.

Find an American Red Cross blood drive that’s close to you, then choose an available time.

Here’s what you need to do

Read up on the eligibility requirements for donating blood.
Complete a Blood Donor History Questionnaire ahead of your appointment or on-site.
When you arrive to donate blood, expect a short physical (temperature, pulse, blood pressure check, and a small finger prick to check your hemoglobin levels).

Things to remember

Eat a hearty meal beforehand and give yourself an hour to digest.
Drink an extra 16 ounces of room-temperature water prior to your donation to prep your veins, and continue drinking extra water afterwards.
Avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
Incorporate iron-rich foods into your meals after donating.
Eating and drinking properly beforehand will help prevent passing out.

Blood facts

People with type O- blood are universal blood donors, but only 7% of the population has O- blood. Learn more about your blood type.
There are ~10 pints of blood in your body. Roughly one pint is given during a donation — it can take between a couple of hours to a few weeks to replenish that amount.
A blood donation can save up to three lives, but less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets.

If you can’t donate blood, don’t sweat it. Check out other ways to give back in San Jose.