Donate Blood

People undergoing treatment for cancer, accident victims, transplant recipients, and many other patients depend on blood transfusions. Volunteer donors are their only source of blood products.

When you donate blood at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or in the Blood Mobile, you make a life-saving difference for patients in need.

Our Location:

Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Jimmy Fund Building
35 Binney Street
1st Floor
Boston, MA 02115

Get directions

Make an Appointment

Schedule your donation today:

Blood Mobile travels to community organizations, businesses, and schools throughout greater Boston. View a list of upcoming community blood drives here.

Appointment Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:45 am to 6 pm
Wednesday: 7 am to 3 pm
Thursday: 6:45 am to 6 pm
Friday: 6:45 am to 3 pm
Saturday: 7 am to 12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed

Parking is validated.

Am I Eligible to Donate Blood?

To donate blood, you must be:

At least 17 years old
110 pounds or more
In good health

You cannot donate if you:

Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Had a dental procedure, including a routine cleaning, within 48 hours of donating
Have traveled to a malaria-risk country recently
Have felt sick within 72 of your donation appointment
Have HIV/AIDS or have ever tested positive for HIV
Used needles to take non-prescribed drugs in the past three months
Have taken money, drugs, or other payment for sex in the past three months
Had sexual contact in the past three months with anyone described above
Have taken oral medication to prevent HIV infection (PrEP, PEP, Truvada, or Descovy) in the past three months
Received an HIV prevention injection or shot in the past two years
Have ever taken any medication to treat HIV

What to Expect When Donating Blood

The donation itself takes less than 10 minutes, but please allow about one hour for the full process, including:

Check-in — Show a valid photo ID
Health screening — Complete a confidential questionnaire about your medical and travel history to confirm eligibility. A staff member will go over your screening questionnaire with you in an exam room.
Donation — You will move to a comfortable chair in the main donation area. For your blood donation, a single-use kit is used and disposed of after the collection process.
Rest and refreshments — Relax for a few minutes and enjoy snacks and drinks before leaving.

In this video, learn what to expect when donating blood or platelets.

Blood Donation FAQs

Does my blood type matter?

All blood types are needed and welcomed! Certain blood types are in higher demand at certain times.

How much blood is taken?

We collect one unit of blood. This is equivalent to about one pint of blood. Most adults have 10-12 pints of blood in their bodies. Your body replaces lost fluids within 24 hours and will begin to replace the lost blood cells right away.

Does donating blood hurt?

Most people only feel a slight pinch from the needle. Many donors report feeling great after donating knowing they helped patients in need!

How should I prepare for my donation?

Eat a nutritious meal before donating, particularly calcium-rich foods.
Make sure you are well-hydrated. Try to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water the day before and the day of your donation.
Bring a valid photo ID to your appointment.

What should I do after donating?

Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice) to stay hydrated.
Eat nutritious meals and snack as needed.

How often can I donate blood?

As long as you are healthy and continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can safely donate every 56 days.

Can I donate if I have a tattoo?

Yes, as long as your tattoo was done in a state-regulated facility and is completely healed.