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How to donate blood in Lakeland, FL

Donating blood is an effective way to give back to the community. Here’s what to know in Lakeland to make a donation.

Blue blood donation ribbon on solid purple background

Give back to Lakeland by donating blood.

Photo by Artem Podre via Pexels

Table of Contents

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

The entire process is not only safe, but pretty painless, too.🩸

Places to donate blood around Lakeland

Here’s what you need to do

  • Read up on the requirements for donating blood to see if you are eligible to give blood.
  • If you’re ready, book a visit online (walk-ins are also accepted).
  • You’ll be asked to complete a Blood Donor History Questionnaire to fasttrack your appointment. No worries if you can’t get to it ahead of time, you can always complete it on site if that works better for you.
  • 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).
  • If you’re cleared to donate, sit back and relax — it’ll be over before you know it.

Things to remember

  • Eat a hearty meal beforehand + give yourself an hour to digest.
  • Drink an extra 16 oz of room temperature water prior to your donation in order to prep your veins. Make sure to continue drinking extra water after donating.
  • Avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
  • Incorporate iron rich foods into your meals after donating.
  • Eating + drinking properly beforehand will help prevent passing out. However, if you do pass out, you are in the care of well-trained nurses who will look after you.

Fun + bloody facts

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

*Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive resource for donating blood. Please do your research beforehand and speak with your doctor before donating.

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