This year Capricon will once again be having a Blood Drive. The blood drive will be held on Saturday the 31st from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. We hope that anyone who is able will stop by to make a donation.

Last year there were some problems with waiting to give blood. To help out this situation we are going to try scheduling appointments. Hopefully people will not have to wait as long to donate. Please click here to schedule an appointment. If you are not able to schedule an appointment you will still be able to drop in and donate, but you may have to wait longer.

Capricon and Life Source thank you for your generosity in helping the blood banks.

Most adults are medically eligible to give blood, even though many people mistakenly believe that they are unable. There are actually only a few medical conditions that will keep you from being able to give. Many medications are acceptable, including those for high blood pressure, allergies, birth control pills, vitamins, diet pills and most others. The above list covers common requirements for donors but is not complete. If you have a question about being eligible to donate ask one of our nurses or call LifeSource Blood Services at 1-800-486-0680. The following are a few rules about donating blood:

You Can Donate Blood If You...

• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have had hepatitis (not including childhood exposure).
• Are at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent. There is no upper age limit
• Have given blood in the last eight weeks (56 days).

You Cannot Donate Blood If You...

• Are pregnant or nursing
• Are in good physical health
• Have ever tested positive for HIV, have engaged in high risk behavior, or have had intimate contact with anyone at risk for AIDS.
• Have Babesiosis or Chagas Disease.

You May Be Temporarily Unable to Donate Blood If You...

• Have the flu, a sore throat or fever.
• Are taking antibiotics for an infection.
• Received a tattoo, had your ears or another body part pierced, or experienced an accidental "needle stick" injury in the past 12 months.
• Have had heart problems.
• Received a blood transfusion in the past 12 months.
• Have been recently vaccinated (time of deferral varies). Flu shots do not disqualify you from donating.
• Have had a history of cancer (other than skin cancer).
• Lived in or traveled to a malaria area.
• Have recently had a sexually transmitted disease or mononucleosis.

Still have questions? Read the FAQ.