Platelet Donation
Why are platelets so important?
Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding.聽For millions of Americans, they are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries.聽Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. Platelets must be used within five days and new donors are needed every day. That鈥檚 why we need you.
"I鈥檒l never forget the feeling of gratitude that washed over me when I saw those platelets going into my husband鈥檚 body. I imagined the faces of many different strangers, taking time out of their day鈥 their jobs鈥 their families鈥 their lives... to sit in a chair and give part of themselves away, simply because it is a good thing to do for another human being. A stranger. Someone鈥檚 platelets made their way to Phil that day, and it helped him recover.鈥
Cassie Brabbs describing how it felt to see platelets help save her husband Phil

There are so many reasons to give platelets. In this video, several Red Cross platelet donors share why they give in hopes of inspiring others. Will you join them?
Frequently Asked Questions
"She was a new person comparing our drive to the hospital on Friday and when we left the hospital Friday night! I just can鈥檛 put it in to words!鈥
Megan Stoy describing how platelets help her daughter Olivia who is fighting cancer
"The truly frustrating thing about cancer, is that it makes a person feel helpless... I made a decision to begin donating blood or platelets. I couldn't help Doug, but maybe I could help someone else."
Tess, who lost her husband to cancer, on how she could help others