1. Myth. You can get a blood-borne disease by donating blood.
Fact. All materials used to collect blood are new. They have been sterilized by the manufacturer and have never been used before. They are thrown out immediately after use.⁶

2. Myth. I can't donate during my menstrual period.
Fact. You can donate when you are menstruating as long as you feel OK.⁶

3. Myth. I only need to donate once a year.
Fact. You can donate every 56 days-the time it takes your body to replace the red blood cells and iron lost after donating. Thus, you can donate six times a year.¹

4. Myth. I can be paid to donate blood.
Fact. Donating blood is a strictly volunteer activity. There are plasma centers in some cities, however, where you can receive compensation for donating plasma, the fluid that transports blood cells.¹ Plasma donors are expected to be available and donate much more frequently, as often as twice a week.

5. Myth. So many people donated after September 11, 2001, that more blood simply isn't needed.
Fact. Blood products are perishable. Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, platelets just five days. Blood donations are needed every day, 365 days a year.¹X