Ochsner Blood Bank

Ochsner Blood Bank is in urgent need of donations

While all blood types are accepted, we are experiencing a critical blood shortage of platelets and Type O red cells. All healthy adults are encouraged to donate blood. Your donation plays a role in saving the lives of our patients and those in our community. Volunteers may donate blood every eight weeks. 

Please note that blood donors must:

• Be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.
• Be over cold or flu symptoms for 72 hours.
• Have had no dental work (including cleaning) in the past 72 hours.
• Have not donated whole blood in the past eight weeks.
• Have had no transfusions in the past three months.
• Have not lived with a person who has had hepatitis in the past 3 months.
• Have gotten no tattoos in the past three months from a facility that is unlicensed or not regulated by a U.S. state. Have not gotten a piercing in the past three months done with reusable equipment.

How easy is it?

In approximately 40 minutes, you will:

• Complete a donor registration form
• Receive a mini physical
• Donate about one pint of blood
• Enjoy refreshments
• Receive a “Thank You” gift

Schedule Your Blood Donation

To schedule an appointment online, visit our scheduling page. If you are unable to make an appointment online or for more information, please call 504-842-3375.

Where you can donate:

Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans Blood Donor Center
(Next to OMC Medical Library – Hospital first floor)
1516 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121

Blood donation:

• Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Platelet donation:

• Monday and Wednesday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Incentives

If you donate at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans blood donor center:

• Gift Cards for Platelet Donations: Individuals who donate platelets at OMC – New Orleans Blood Donor Center will receive an e-gift card from Walmart, Amazon or their choice of participating restaurants: Panera Bread, Quiznos, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Cheddar’s or Buffalo Wild Wings. Donate a single unit of platelets to receive a $25 e-gift card. Donate a double unit of platelets to receive a $50 e-gift card.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If you donate at an Ochsner Blood Bank blood drive or donor center: ​​​​​​​

• Seasonal long-sleeve shirt, while supplies last 

Note: Donors who successfully donate are eligible for incentives. Donors who are deferred from donations will not receive an incentive. Any employee who is not eligible or denied donation may have a friend or family member donate on their behalf. Only ONE person may donate on an employees behalf. They must be able to provide the employees full name and employee ID number. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Upcoming Blood Donation Drive

Ochsner Blood Bank 

The Ochsner Blood Bank’s mission is to provide an adequate and safe blood supply for the hospitals and communities that Ochsner Health serves.

What is the Ochsner Blood Bank?

The Ochsner Blood Bank currently supports more than 70% of Ochsners blood needs for patients at Ochsner hospitals. The Ochsner Blood Bank is the primary blood supplier for Ochsner Medical Center, Ochsner Health Center – Kenner, Ochsner Health Center – West Bank, Ochsner Baptist Health Center, Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital and Lady of the Sea General Hospital in Cut Off.

In addition, the Ochsner Blood Bank participates in blood resource sharing with other local community hospitals. If you happen to need blood during a hospital stay, please consider asking your family and friends to replace the blood that was transfused. Ochsner offers a blood – replacement plan that takes care of everything. It even provides coverage for your family members or other designated individuals to receive the replacement units for up to one year if they need them.

More than 50,000 blood components were transfused just last year. There is also supporting information indicating a significant increase in transfusions for the current year. Blood replacement removes some of the costs of blood. More importantly, it provides patients with a safe and adequate blood supply. 

The Blood Bank will be happy to discuss the replacement program with you and make any necessary arrangements.

Blood is needed every five seconds – for babies, leukemia patients, burn victims, emergency surgeries, organ transplants, trauma patients and more. It may be needed for someone you know – even you. Few acts are as simple and yet so generous as donating blood. The only source for this blood is you – the volunteer donor. Volunteers donate all of this country's blood supply for transfusions. Simply put, there is no other source. Ochsner needs your help to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for the community.

Healthy blood donors are encouraged to donate every eight weeks in order to maintain an adequate blood inventory.

Donate blood at one of Ochsner’s convenient community blood collection centers. Visit one of our donor centers or call us to schedule a mobile blood drive in your area. Blood donations by appointment are preferred. For additional information or if you have any questions, please call 504-842-3375.

Changes to FDA Guidelines

In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its guidelines on blood donation to be more inclusive of members of the LGBTQ+ community, including the removal of gender-specific questions. The Ochsner Blood Bank has updated its protocols, software and training of staff in accordance with the new guidelines. 

Effective December 12, 2023, the Ochsner Blood Bank introduced a new intake form and questionnaire for whole-blood and platelet donors. The updated materials feature:

• Removal of gender-specific questions. All donors will be asked the same questions regardless of gender.
• Expanded options for self-identification of gender. Donors will be able to select from male, female, unknown or other.

Questions About Eligibility to Donate Blood

Individuals who were previously deferred from donating blood due to extended travel abroad, sexual activity or low platelet count may now be eligible to donate blood. For questions regarding eligibility to donate blood, please contact the Ochsner Blood Bank at 504-842-3375.