Blood Donation Need
Our patients need approximately 2,000 units of blood and blood components each month as part of the life-saving care provided at our hospital. To provide these units to our patients, the hospital needs to collect blood from approximately 800 blood donors per month.
How Are We Doing?
Nearly 90 percent of the blood transfused at Children's Hospital Los Angeles comes from our donor center. Rarely is enough blood donated to cover patient use.
What is Our Greatest Need?
There is always a child who needs your blood type at our hospital.
Type O individuals are "universal donors." As a result, there is a great need for O donors. O-Negative blood is used in emergency situations, and is especially useful for transfusions for infants. Our hospital has one of the largest and most successful Neonatal Intensive and Critical Care Units, making our hospital's needs great.
Platelets, the blood component necessary for clotting, are the most used component at our hospital for children undergoing bone marrow transplant therapy or chemotherapy.
How Often Can I Help?
You can donate blood every two months, not to exceed six times per year. You can donate platelets every two weeks, not to exceed 24 times per year.
To make an appointment or for any questions:
Email us or call 323-361-2441
