Our Lady of the Lake Blood Donor Center

Be a Hero – It’s In Your Blood

Our Lady of the Lake's Blood Donor Center serves Greater Baton Rouge by providing a safe and adequate supply of blood. More than 60% of the blood transfused in our community is recruited, collected, tested and distributed by Our Lady of the Lake Health.

Did you know one pint of whole blood can be separated into several components (red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate), and a single, whole blood donation can save the lives of three people.

We rely on volunteer donors for our blood supply. These donors do more than give blood — they play a key role in the healthcare process, giving the doctors and nurses in our area a tool that helps save lives.

Learn more about blood donation across our health system. Please consider donating blood today. 

What to Expect When You Donate Blood

When you arrive at Our Lady of the Lake Blood Donor Center our staff will make every effort to accommodate you as soon as possible. First, you will be asked to complete the donor registration/medical history form.

The blood donation process takes about 30 minutes from the time you check in to the time you leave. The actual blood collection takes only about 10 minutes. For other donation types, the process (from arrival to departure) takes approximately:

• 45 minutes to collect two units of red blood cells
• 90 minutes to collect apheresis platelets

After you donate, you'll be given a light refreshment.

You may donate every eight weeks (up to six times a year) at the Blood Donor Center or a mobile drive. No appointment is necessary.

During a typical month our Blood Donor Center must draw blood from at least 2,500 donors to meet the blood needs of patients in our community