*Drive recurs every 56 days. Get into the cycle and become a regular donor!

Contact Information

CALL TODAY: 869-8444 to give the "gift of life" in Greenwich, or 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for an appointment at any Red Cross blood drive in Connecticut.

Your advanced appointment helps Blood Services ensure adequate  staffing and supplies at drives.

Remember to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids prior to your donation, and bring your ID and donor card.

If you have traveled extensively out of the U.S. or have questions about medications or medical conditions, please call nursing information at 1-800-462-9400 x2210 in advance to check your eligibility.

Greenwich Blood Services are supported by the Greenwich United Way.

Rules and Protocols

• To donate you must be 17 years old, or older. Weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. There is no maximum age limit.
• It is advisable to eat a low-fat well-balanced meal at least 4 hours before giving blood. Also drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your donation
• Donors are eligible every 56 days.
• All donors will be asked for identification including their name, social security number and birth date.

Blood Deferral Information

Why can a potential donor be deferred?
There are many common reasons for deferring potential donors, ranging from age and weight to blood pressure and health history. Every donor is evaluated individually by qualified collection staff personnel. All blood donors must meet certain standard health requirements, which are established to protect the donors as well as the patients receiving the blood products. Even "regular" donors, who give blood as often as every eight weeks, must be screened before each donation. There are two types of deferrals - temporary and indefinite. Some deferrals may require additional review by a blood center physician. Indefinite deferrals are usually considered permanent or until new information is available.

What are some common reasons for temporary deferral?
Low Iron (Hemoglobin) - The reason for this deferral is that the test for the iron (hemoglobin) level in the potential donor's blood was lower than the acceptable level for blood donors. The nurse confirms the low hemoglobin by performing a hematocrit test. If it is unusually low the potential donor will be advised to see their physician. Since these levels may change over time, the deferral may only be temporary. Blood Pressure - The blood pressure is measured as part of the health exam. The results are recorded on the potential donor's physical findings card. If the potential donor is on medication, they should continue taking it as prescribed by their doctor. The next time they wish to donate, their blood pressure will be taken again and it may be within the Red Cross' acceptable range. Medication - It is important to remember that taking medication does not usually defer a donor. The reason for taking the medication, however, may result in a deferral. If a potential donor is deferred, the nurse will make them aware of the required waiting period before their next donation.

Who is indefinitely deferred?
A few blood donors are indefinitely or permanently deferred, including people who have cancer, serious heart disease, hepatitis, or are at risk for AIDS. NOTE: those who have previously had cancer may be eligible to donate. In mid-October 2001, the American Red Cross implemented a new deferral policy for blood donors due to the spread of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), the human form of "mad cow" disease. This always-fatal disease has spread from the United Kingdom to other countries in Europe. There is enormous scientific uncertainty, no blood test and a long latency period (5 to 10 years) before the disease can be detected. There are no known cases of transmission through human blood transfusion, but animal models have shown it is possible to transmit vCJD through blood.

As of mid-October 2001, the following people are restricted from giving blood to the Red Cross:

• Anyone who has lived in the United Kingdom for a cumulative total of three months since 1980.
• Anyone who has lived in any European country or combination of countries (including the United Kingdom) for a cumulative total of six months since 1980.
• Anyone who has received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom since 1980.

Emergency Blood Coverage

Emergency Blood Coverage (EBC) volunteers work on-call nights and weekends, during hours the Greenwich Chapter is closed. This service provides local hospitals with emergency blood from other medical facilities in southern Connecticut.