Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Think you can’t be a blood donor? 5 myths busted by a local expert
Reading time: 6 minutes
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Did you know that donating blood is one of the easiest ways to save lives? For many, it can also be one of the scariest, from fears about health risks to confusion over eligibility.
We chatted with Annette Rowland, Regional Director of the American Red Cross, Alabama and Mississippi Region, to debunk five myths about giving blood.
Read on for what we learned and how you can sign up to become a donor in Birmingham.
Myth #1: Donating blood is painful + takes a long time.
Any time I mention blood donation, at least one or two people squirm away because they fear needles and/or blood. If you fall into this category or know someone who does, you can rest easy. Annette assured us that donating blood is fast and almost painless.
Will it hurt to have my blood drawn?
“Nah! You may feel a quick pinch when the needle is inserted, but it’s not bad at all. Plus, if you focus on the fact that you’ll be helping save lives, it’s worth it!”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
Does it take a long time to donate?
The entire process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including check-in.
The actual blood donation takes just 8 to 10 minutes.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
Schedule an appointment now with the American Red Cross.
Myth #2: You can’t donate blood while on medication.
Do you have a chronic illness that requires daily medication, or pop an occasional pain reliever for random head and body aches? If so, you might wonder if you can donate blood.
This myth hit home for me. As a Type 1 diabetic, I’ve questioned my eligibility as a blood donor for some time, so I am thrilled to finally have a real answer from an expert like Annette.
“Most medications will not disqualify you from donating blood. Insulin, for example, is a medication that does not affect blood donation. However, it’s important to assess your overall health, whether you’re diabetic or have another chronic illness. If the condition you’re treating is well-controlled and you’re feeling well on the day of your donation, you’re likely eligible.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
Wondering about over-the-counter medications? It turns out that most are A-okay and won’t stop you from donating blood.
Some acceptable over-the-counter medications include:
- Herbal remedies
- Nutritional supplements
- Oral homeopathic medications
Some medications won’t disqualify you from donating blood, but they may require a waiting period. See the list here.
Myth #3: Blood banks have plenty of supply, so my donation won’t make a difference.
It’s easy to assume that your donation doesn’t make a difference out of the millions of people who donate blood. But the truth is, it does!
Check out these stats:
- The American Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood + blood components.
- Only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.
“This is why every donor plays an important role in helping the American Red Cross meet patient needs across Birmingham, the state of Alabama and beyond.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
Take Bham Now’s Content Director Pat Byington. He’s an advocate for blood donation in Birmingham, having donated over 100 times.
“There are few things today that we all can do that help everybody. You may not know who your donation will help, but you know it’s going to do good and touch so many lives.
Every time you donate blood, you save 3 lives. I’ve given over 100 times…times 3.”
Pat Byington, blood donor
You can learn more about Pat’s donation story here.
Myth #4: You can’t donate blood if you have tattoos or piercings.
(L) Tattoos and blood donation (Trey Huie); (R) Piercings and blood donation (Unsplash)
Birmingham’s full of spots where you can get that tattoo or piercing you’ve been obsessing about. But before you go under the needle, you might be wondering if your decision will stop you from being a blood donor.
Here’s what we discovered:
Can you donate blood if you have tattoos?
“Yes! You can donate if your tattoo was done at a state-regulated facility using sterile and non-reused ink. FYI, Alabama is state-regulated, so if you got your tattoo here, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
What if your tattoo was done at a non-regulated facility?
“The American Red Cross requires a three-month waiting period from when you got your tattoo to the day you donate.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
Interesting fact: Annette filled us in on something we didn’t even think about: cosmetic tattoos. The good news is the same rules apply like if you had eyebrow microblading.
Can you donate blood if you have tattoos?
“Yes! You can donate if your piercing was done at a state-regulated facility, if the instruments used were single-use and disposable.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
What if your piercing was done at a non-regulated facility?
“The same three-month waiting period applies, just like if you got a tattoo.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
Here are a few more things you should know:
- If you’re unsure whether you received your tattoo or piercing at a state-regulated facility, play it safe + wait three months.
- Why a three-month wait time? The American Red Cross told us it’s due to concerns related to hepatitis, which can easily be transmitted from donors to patients through transfusion. Even though all blood donations are tested for hepatitis B + hepatitis C, taking precautions is vital.
Myth #5: All LGBTQ+ individuals are considered high-risk + cannot donate.
Whether you’re part of The Magic City’s LGBTQ+ community or a supporter, blood donation eligibility has undergone major developments over the past few years.
“Being LGBTQ+ does not automatically disqualify you from donating blood. However, all donors must meet some FDA eligibility guidelines.”
Annette Rowland, Regional Director, American Red Cross–Alabama + Mississippi Region
One guideline is that every potential donor is asked to complete a health history questionnaire before donating. Questions focus on individual risk behaviors, not sexual orientation or gender identity.
The goal is to help ensure the safety of both donors and recipients.
Help save lives by becoming a blood donor. Schedule an appointment with the American Red Cross today.
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