"I'm nervous about giving blood"

That's normal. Almost everyone feels that way the first time. Once you realize how easy it is, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

"I can't possibly spare a pint of blood; it will make me weak"

No, it won't. The average adult has 8-12 pints of blood. You replace the fluid part of your blood within several hours of donating. Your donation will not affect your daily routine.

"It's inconvenient to donate blood"

We try our best to make it convenient for you. Our Blood Centers have permanent sites throughout Chicagoland and blood drives are continuously held throughout our service area. Call 1-877-LIFESOURCE for further information about a convenient time and place for you to donate.

"I bet it will hurt"

You'll only feel a slight pinch or sting as the needle is inserted. The actual donation only takes about 5-10 minutes.

"I might get a disease from donating blood"

All equipment is new, disposable and used only one time. You cannot "catch" anything from donating blood. The only thing you'll get from donating is the good feeling of helping others.

"No one ever asked me to donate blood"

Consider yourself invited. There are no substitutes for human blood and your donation can help three different patients.

"They wouldn't want my blood because of an illness I've had"

If you have some doubts, call the LifeSource Medical Help Desk @ 847-803-7921 to talk confidentially with someone in our Nursing Department. Many illnesses such as colds and flu require you to be temporarily deferred, but you can try again when you're well. Most medications are also acceptable.

"My insurance covers the blood I might need"

Insurance policies cover the fees for collection and transfusion, but only volunteer blood donors can supply the blood you need.

"My blood type isn't the right type"

Every type is the right type. All types, including common ones like O Positive and A Positive, are needed by patients.

"I don't weigh enough"

If you weigh 110 pounds or more, you can become a blood donor.

"I'm too young"

If you're at least 17 years old, you can become a blood donor. 16 year olds can donate with written parental consent.

"Other people must be giving enough blood"

The demand for blood and blood products is constant. The needs of patients can only be met by people like you.

"I'm afraid of being turned down"

Most healthy people are eligible. If you are temporarily deferred, come back later and try again.

"My Iron is too low"

A sample of your blood is checked for anemia before you do donate. Your Iron count is something that changes almost daily.

"I already gave this year"

You can donate blood every eight weeks, up to six times per year.

"I'm too busy. It will take too much time to give blood."

Donating takes less than ten minutes; the entire visit about an hour.

"I'm worried about the AIDS test results"

If you are healthy and do not engage in high-risk behavior, the possibility of having a positive AIDS test result is very small. All test results are highly confidential, released only with consent of the donor or as required by law.

"I have high blood pressure"

If you have high blood pressure, you should see your doctor and get it under control with medication. Once your blood pressure is under control, you can donate blood, even if you are on blood pressure meds.