At MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women's Hospital Long Beach, more than 500 units of blood are used every month in life-saving procedures. Donating blood at Miller Children’s & Women's helps to save the life of a child right here in the community.

There is no substitution for blood and there is always a need. Healthy donors are the only source of blood! Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment have depleted red cells and platelets and require regular transfusions. Injury and accident victims also require blood products.

Make An Appointment to Donate Blood Today 

The MemorialCare Blood Donor Center is located on the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's campus. We offer monthly promotions to the community as our way of thanking you for helping our young patients. For your convenience, we provide free parking in dedicated spaces for all our community donors. 

Schedule an appointment by phone, call (562) 933-0808 or online appointment.

Blood Types

All human blood may look alike, but differences become apparent when it is tested using special agents. There are eight common red blood cell types, which are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens (chemical substances that can be targeted by one's immune system).

The main red blood cell groups are A, B, AB, and O

  • Group A blood has only the A antigen
  • Group B has the only the B antigen
  • Group AB has both
  • Group O has neither
Blood Types:

O-, O+

Patients with any blood type can receive O negative blood. Type O blood is required and must be available in inventory for newborn babies and emergency patients. O+ is the most frequently occurring blood type and is found in 37 percent of the population. O- is found in six percent of the population.

A+

This blood is the second most frequently occurring blood type. Thirty-four of every 100 people have A+.

A-, B+, B-

Less than 10 percent of the population has these rare blood types.

AB+, AB-

These blood types are the universal donor of plasma. Patients with any blood type can receive this plasma. Only four percent of the population has AB+ and just one in every hundred people have AB-.

Donor Eligibility Requirements
  • Donors must be 17 years of age or older.
  • Donors must be in good health and feeling well on day of donation.
  • Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.
  • Donors should have a healthy meal and drink fluids within four hours before donating. It is best to avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages before donating.
  • Platelet donors only: Do not take any aspirin or aspirin containing products or any anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., Ibuprofen or Aleve) 72 hours before your donation.
  • Directed donations:
    • Directed donors must inform the donor center staff they are directly donating for a specific patient and provide the patient’s (recipient) name.
    • The recipient’s physician must provide a written order to collect directed donations prior to accepting donors for directed donations.
    • The donor’s blood type will not be determined before donation. If donor’s blood passes all tests, but is not of the appropriate blood type, it willautomatically be released for use by
      other patients.

We ask that you do not donate if you:

  • Have had a cold, sore throat, infection or flu symptoms three days prior to donation or do not feel well on day of donation.
  • Have an open mouth or skin sore on day of donation.
  • Have taken antibiotics in the past 72 hours.
  • Had teeth cleaning in last 24 hours or dental work (i.e., filling, root canal, crown, gum surgery) in last three days.
  • Are pregnant now or in last six weeks.
  • Have had a tattoo, ear or skin piercing, acupuncture, accidental needle stick or come in contact with someone else’s blood in last 12 months.
  • Have received a blood transfusion in last 12 months.
  • Have spent more than 72 consecutive hours in jail or prison in last 12 months.
  • Have had and/or been treated for syphilis.
  • Have had and/or been treated for gonorrhea in the last 12 months.
  • Have traveled to a malaria risk area in last 12 months
  • Have had malaria in last three years.
  • Had cancer in the last five years (except basal cell skin cancer or in-situ cancers).
  • Have a history of hepatitis after age 11.
  • Have Insulin dependent diabetes.
  • Have spent a total time of three months or more in the United Kingdom between 1980 to 1996.
  • Have spent a total time of five years or more in Europe from 1980 to present.
  • Between 1980 to 1996, was a member of the U.S. military, military employee or a dependent of the military and spent six months or more in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy or Greece.
  • Have ever used a needle to inject nonprescription drugs (including steroids).
  • Are male and have had sex with another male even once since 1977.
  • Have ever been or are now an intravenous (IV) drug user.
  • Have received blood clotting factors for treatment of hemophilia or other clotting disorder.
  • Have had a positive test for the AIDS virus or have tested HIV positive.
  • Have engaged in sex for money or drugs since 1977.
  • Have been a sexual partner of anyone at risk for HIV exposure, the virus that causes AIDS in last
    12 months.
Facts About Donating Blood
  • All eligible donors in good health, at least 17-years-old, and at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days, or every two months.
  • Each year, more than 4.5 million lives are saved by blood transfusions.
  • About one in five people admitted to the hospital will need blood.
  • Up to three patients can be treated with one pint of donated blood.
  • Fifty percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood and only five percent do.
  • Cancer, trauma patients and those undergoing open-heart surgery require platelet transfusions
    to survive.
  • Blood is made up of more than 200 known substances, but its four main components are: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma.
  • Blood makes up about seven percent of your body’s weight.
  • A newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his/her body.
  • The actual donation of blood usually takes less than 15 minutes. The entire process, from the time you sign in to the time you leave, takes about an hour.
  • You cannot get AIDS or other infectious diseases from donating blood. A new sterile needle is used for each donation and discarded afterwards.
  • Thirteen tests (11 for infectious diseases) are performed on each unit of donated blood.
Blood Donation Promotions
Save a Life. Donate Blood Today.

At MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, more than 1,000 units of blood are used every month in life-saving procedures. You can help save the life of someone right here in your community. 

  • Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream: At the Blood Donor Center, when you give a pint of blood, you get a pint of ice cream. Blood donors receive a coupon for one free pint of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream. Download flier. 

Schedule an appointment by phone, call (562) 933-0808 or online appointment.

Why Donate Blood?

Although more than 50 percent of the population of the United States is able to donate, fewer than five percent actually do. Besides helping save the life of a newborn, child or adult right here in your community, below are other reasons you should consider becoming a blood donor:

  • The Blood Donor Center at Miller Children’s offers monthly promotions. In exchange for your blood, you may receive a free T-shirt, movie tickets, sporting event tickets or coupons for local businesses or restaurants.
  • You will get free juice and cookies or ice cream after you donate.
  • It’s easy and convenient. Donating blood only takes about an hour and blood donors can park in designated close parking spots.
  • Donating blood is an easy way to help people in your community if you are unable to give in
    other ways.
  • You will be helping to ensure that blood is at Miller Children’s when you, a family member or friend may need it.
  • Blood is something money can’t buy and is something only one person can give to another.
  • It’s relatively painless! Most donors will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch and then
    7 to 10 minutes later you’re done. If you take the time (and courage) to make a donation, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.
What to Expect When Donating Blood

The entire process takes less than an hour.

  • Registration: This includes a medical history questionnaire.
  • Mini-Physical: A Blood Donor Center staff member will review your medical history questionnaire to ensure that it is safe for you to give blood, as well as safe for the patient who will receive your blood. Your hemoglobin, temperature, blood pressure and pulse will be checked.
  • Blood Donation: A nurse will collect about one pint of blood from your arm; this takes
    5 to 15 minutes.
  • Rest and Refreshments: You will be asked to replenish your fluids by spending about 15 minutes resting and enjoying the juice and snacks provided.

Please drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal within four hours before donating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can donate blood?

Anyone 17 years of age or older, in good health, weighing 110 pounds or more who meets our donor eligibility requirements may donate.

How often can I donate?

Every 56 days (8 weeks), or up to six times per year.

Are there any restrictions?

You should not donate if you have a history of hepatitis, cancer in the last five years (except skin cancer), insulin dependent diabetes, chest pain, shortness of breath, or are at high risk for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). You will temporarily be deferred from donating if you have a sore throat, cold or flu, had dental surgery within 48 hours, have active allergies, or have a low iron count. If you are taking medications, you will not automatically be deferred. Many medications are acceptable. If you have any questions about your ability to donate, talk with one of the Donor Center staff.

Can I get any diseases from donating?

Absolutely not. All needles are sterile, used once and discarded in an appropriate receptacle. The only blood you are exposed to is your own.

How much blood do you take?

Approximately one pint. You have 9 to 12 pints of blood in your body, depending on your size. Blood loss is replaced in 6 to 8 weeks.

Will I find out my blood type if I donate?

Yes. After your first donation, you will be sent a donor card with your blood type.

Can I donate to a specific patient?

Miller Children’s has a special Directed Donor Program, where patients requiring blood may ask relatives and/or friends to donate specifically for them. These patients must have either a scheduled surgery or a planned transfusion. Arrangements must be made in advance with your physician and the Blood Donor Center. In some instances, arrangements may also be made to transfer Directed Donor units to another hospital.

Can I donate for my surgery?

Yes. This is called an Autologous Donation. It simply means banking your own blood prior to planned surgery. Arrangements must be made in advance with your physician and the Blood Donor Center. Autologous units may also be transferred to other hospitals.

Can I just donate platelets?

Yes, mention that you want to donate platelets when you make an appointment. When donating platelets, blood is taken from one needle in your arm and goes into a one-time use plastic kit on a cell separator. In the separator, platelets are removed and the rest of your blood is then returned to you.

Should I eat before or after I donate blood?

Please drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal within four hours before donating. Address the after and add in about having juice and snack before leaving.

Where and when can I donate?

The Blood Donor Center at Miller Children’s is located at 2801 Atlantic Ave. in Long Beach on the 1st Floor (across from the Chapel) and is open Monday through Friday (Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Will Miller Children’s help me organize my own Blood Drive?

Yes, our Blood Donor Center will help you coordinate and sponsor a blood drive for your church or community organization. If you would like to learn more, call (562) 234-9516.