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Give blood

Blood cannot be manufactured, so every unit a hospital uses began with someone sitting in a donor chair. The blood service decides who can donate, using published eligibility rules and a health and lifestyle check carried out at each appointment.

GentleFreeAn afternoonIndoorsAlone or with othersUK and US

How to start

  1. Read the eligibility page from NHS Blood and Transplant or the American Red Cross to see the published rules.
  2. Sign up online and book an appointment at a donor centre or blood drive near you.
  3. Answer the health and lifestyle check honestly on the day and accept the service's decision.

Where to go

We opened these links on 8 October 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.

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