It's not a present that will fit under a tree, but it's a vital gift nonetheless.

The gift of blood is a holiday tradition as the Central Blood Bank reaches out to the community at this time of the year when there is an increased need for blood donations.

Pine-Richland High School will be the site of a holiday blood drive from 2:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. 

In the spirit of the holidays, donors will be given $10 gift cards.

To make an appointment, call Christine Misback at 412-209-7061 or email her at cmisback@zoominternet.net

Click here to schedule an appointment online; use the sponsor code HS010058. Walk-ins are welcome too.

Students who are 16 years old may donate as long as they have a parent’s permission. Click here to print the parent permission form to bring on the day of donation.  

Students who are age 17 and older may donate; they do not need parental permission.

If you donate, remember to eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages prior to your appointment. 

For additional details, refer to the Central Blood Bank website. 

A photo ID or Central Blood Bank donor card is required at registration.

The Central Blood Bank donor requirements are as follows:

You are eligible to donate blood if you

• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Are in good physical health
• Are at least 16  years old. There is no upper age limit
• Have not donated whole blood in the past 56 days

You are not eligible to donate blood if you

• Have hepatitis
• Are pregnant
• Have ever tested positive for HIV, have engaged in high-risk behavior, or have had intimate contact with anyone at risk for AIDS
• Have Babesiosis or Chagas Disease

You may be temporarily ineligible to donate blood if you

• Have the flu, a sore throat, or fever on the day of donation
• Are taking antibiotics for an infection
• Received a tattoo, had your ear or another body part pierced using non-sterile, non-single-use equipment, or experienced an accidental needle stick injury in the past 12 months
• Have had heart problems
• Received a blood transfusion in the past 12 months
• Have recently been vaccinated. Flu shots do not impact eligibility
• Have a history of cancer
• Traveled to or lived in a malaria area
• Have recently had a sexually transmitted disease
• If you are donating platelets, please do not take aspirin 48 hours prior or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 12 hours prior to your scheduled donation time. Tylenol is acceptable as it is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 

If you have questions regarding eligibility, contact the blood bank's Medical Help Desk at 1-866-DONORS-1 ext. 7160 or 7035.

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