Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to donate blood?

While the vast majority of Colorado's population is eligible to donate blood, less than four percent does in a given year. Find out if you're eligible.

Is donating blood safe?

Donating blood is completely safe. Sterile, disposable needles and supplies are used once and are safely discarded after each donation. You cannot get HIV/AIDS or any other disease by donating blood.

Where can I donate blood?

You can donate blood at a community donor center (CDC) or a mobile blood drive. Find a CDC or a blood drive near you.

Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I walk-in to a Bonfils donor center or blood drive?

While Bonfils strongly encourages you to schedule an appointment to make the best use of donor and staff time and donation equipment and resources, we do our best to accommodate everyone so we do accept walk-in donors without an appointment.  Wait times could be longer for walk-in donors as we accommodate those donors who have a scheduled appointment first.

How long does it take to donate blood?

It takes about one hour to donate a unit of whole blood. The donation itself takes less than 10 minutes, but plan extra time to complete your donor questionnaire, conduct a health screening and make a post-donation visit to our canteen.

How often can I donate blood?

You can donate whole blood every 56 days, up to six times per year.

What can I expect when I donate?

Donating blood is a safe, easy and convenient way to support your community. Visit Donating Blood Step by Step to learn more about the whole blood donation process.

How is my blood donation used?

Bonfils provides 80 percent of Colorado's blood supply and distributes blood to 200 hospitals and healthcare facilities where it is used in a variety of medical treatments. Your single blood donation can save and enhance the lives of up to three patients.

What should I do to prepare for my blood donation?

Be sure to eat a healthy, low-fat meal within the four hours prior to your donation. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids both before and after you donate.

Visit our First-time Donors section to learn about making your first blood donation.

I'm unable to donate blood. Are there other ways that I can support Bonfils Blood Center?

There are several ways you can support Bonfils Blood Center. You can host a blood drive, make a financial contribution or sign up to be on the National Marrow Donor Registry through the Colorado Marrow Donor Program. Your support will help patients in need in our community and beyond.

Does my blood donation really save lives?

Because we can process your whole blood donation into multiple blood products, your single blood donation can save and enhance the lives of up to three patients. Read stories of those whose lives have been saved by blood donation.

I don't hear about the need for blood. Do you really need my donation?

The need for blood is constant and Bonfils needs more than 4,000 donors each week to meet the needs of our community. Everyday there are patients like kids with cancer or accident victims requiring blood transfusions.  All blood types are needed, including the most common blood types.

What does it mean to be an automated donor?

An automated donation allows Bonfils to manage our community blood supply by collecting specific blood products, such as platelets and/or plasma, from our donors. Automated donation is a preferred method of donation for donors with A+, B+, AB+ and AB- blood types. Learn more about automated donation.

What happens to my blood after I make my donation?

Once you've given blood, the staff at Bonfils Blood Center continues our life-saving work by typing, testing, processing, storing and distributing your gift to patients in need. Learn more at Because Life Happens.

Is my blood ever sent outside of the state of Colorado?

Thanks to the loyal blood donors of Colorado, Bonfils is often called upon to supply blood in national emergencies. We are one of only eight blood centers that supplies blood to support the U.S. Military's wartime needs. We also provided blood products to the Gulf Coast after the 2005 hurricanes and to New York after 9/11.

Can I take a tour of your laboratory facilities?

We have many options for you to learn more about Bonfils Blood Center. Learn more about our Because Life Happens informational program, tours and educational programs for schools and community groups.

Is Bonfils Blood Center a nonprofit organization?

Yes. Bonfils Blood Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.