Why Donate?

Our Blood Donor Center is a game-changer for patient care — because when you donate here, your blood is processed by our team and delivered directly to patients in our hospital.

You're not just giving blood. You're saving lives in your own community.

  • Double the impact: One blood donation can help up to two people—a powerful way to multiply your compassion.
  • Support cancer patients: Cancer patients use up to 25% of the nation's blood supply. Chemotherapy often lowers healthy blood cell counts. Transfusions of whole blood and platelets are often life-sustaining, helping to counter the effects of treatments like chemotherapy.
  • Aid in recovery: Blood donations are critical for patients undergoing major surgeries, like orthopedic procedures, by replacing blood lost during operations.
Types of Donations

Whole Blood Donation:
Whole blood donation is the most common type of donation, where approximately one pint of blood is collected to help patients in need. Plan for about 1 hour for the entire process, including check-in, donation and recovery.

Platelet (Apheresis) Donation:
Platelet donation, also known as apheresis, involves collecting only platelets while returning the other blood components to your body. The process takes about 2.5 hours, but your donation is especially critical for cancer patients and those undergoing major surgeries.

What to Expect 

When you donate, you’ll be in a comfortable, caring environment with trained staff who prioritize your safety and well-being every step of the way. After your donation, you’ll leave knowing you’ve made a meaningful, direct impact on someone’s healing journey.

To schedule your appointment
call 210-562-8230. 

Walk-ins are welcome.

Location

Blood Donor Center | 2nd Floor 
UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
8311 Ewing Halsell Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
Map and directions

Hours

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last donation is at 2 p.m.

Parking

Parking is free for blood donors. Donors may park inside the hospital's parking garage in any Patient & Visitor parking space.

Donor Eligibility

To donate blood, you must: 

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Weigh at least 116 pounds
  • Be in general good health
  • Have eaten within the past 6 hours
  • Present a valid ID (Driver’s License, State-issued ID, Military ID, or Passport)

Want to save time? Review the Donor Questionnaire and Acknowledgement in advance to prepare and check your eligibility.

View Questionnaire