Blood Donor Center

St. Jude patients often need blood and platelet transfusions as part of their care. Platelets are needed most often and are our preferred donation. Platelets are tiny pieces of cells in your blood that control bleeding. 

Why donate at the St. Jude Blood Donor Center?

• All blood products collected go directly to St. Jude patients. 
• Your blood or platelet donation helps us offset the cost of having to purchase blood products from sources outside of the hospital. 
• The cost of 1 unit of platelets from an outside provider is between $500–$700.  
• The cost of 1 unit of whole blood from an outside provider is about $250. 
• St. Jude patients receive about 800 blood product transfusions each month. 
• A patient who gets a bone marrow transplant will typically need 20 units of whole blood and 120 units of platelets during their treatment. 

No matter what type of donation you make, your donation can help a St. Jude patient. 

Services we provide

People who live in the Memphis area or are visiting St. Jude can schedule an appointment to donate blood and platelets.

Your blood donor team

Our staff will make sure that your donation is a safe, pleasant, and rewarding experience.

What to expect when you give blood

Enter the St. Jude campus at 332 North Lauderdale Street. When you arrive at the Lauderdale gate, tell the security guard that you are here to donate blood. Reserved parking and free valet services are available for blood donors.

Donating blood and platelets is easy and safe. Many people find it rewarding to know they are helping patients. Most healthy adults who are at least 18 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more can donate. Call our Blood Donor Center at 901-595-2024 to find out if you are eligible to donate.

Before your appointment: 

• Eat a good meal 
• Drink plenty of liquids 
• Get a good night’s sleep  

Do not donate blood if you feel sick or have a medical problem. 

When you arrive, you will read information about blood and platelet donation. You will then sign a form stating that you have read and understood the materials. Feel free to ask any questions.  

We will ask you about your general health, medicines, and recent travel. We will also do some basic health checks.

A whole blood donation usually takes about 45 minutes. A platelet donation usually takes about 2 hours. During your donation, you can watch a movie and enjoy a snack and drink. Afterward, you will have time to rest and recover.