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# Where does donated blood go?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/donated_blood_0107110847/
- Published: 2011-01-07T21:46:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:07:44.000Z
- Description: An information page on blood donation that points readers to the American Red Cross for eligibility guidelines and its hotline, and notes April as Donate Life Month and January as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Miscellaneous, Health News, #vivvo-import

# Donating Blood

Donating blood ensures a sustained and secure blood supply for all Americans including members of the military, other blood centers in America, and all 5,000 of America's hospitals. The [American Red Cross website](http://www2.redcross.org/donate/give/?ref=foodconsumer.org) has information on what to expect when giving blood, donor eligibility guidelines and more on its website.

You may also wish to call their blood donation hotline at 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800.448.3543).

**Health Observances**

- April is [Donate Life Month](http://www.organdonor.gov/get%5Finvolved/donatelifemonth.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org), designated to encourage more Americans to save lives by becoming blood, marrow, organ and tissue donors.
- January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, designated to highlight the importance of donating blood and to honor past and present donors and encourage new donors.

**Additional Resources:**

- [Donating Organs and Tissue](http://answers.usa.gov/system/web/view/selfservice/templates/USAgov/egredirect.jsp?p%5Ffaq%5Fid=10414&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The American Red Cross](http://answers.usa.gov/system/web/view/selfservice/templates/USAgov/egredirect.jsp?p%5Ffaq%5Fid=12248&ref=foodconsumer.org)