Platelet Donation

A platelet donation is a procedure where only the platelet and/or white blood cells are collected via a cell separating machine. The remaining blood components (red blood cells and plasma) are returned to the donor during the donation. Platelet donations are used primarily in cancer and leukemia patients, as well as transplant recipients, burn patients, and patients suffering from bleeding disorders.

Donating platelets typically takes two hours. Male platelet donors must be at least 16 years old (with a signed parental/guardian consent form for donors under the age of 18) or older and females must be 18 or older. Eligible platelet donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. 

Platelet donors can donate every two weeks, up to 24 times per year.

2024 TOP PLATELET DONORS! 

We would like to recognize our 2024 Top Platelet Donors! A donor can donate up to 24 times each year, averaging about twice per month. The following people have donated platelets 20 or more times during 2024. Thank you for your commitment to saving lives!

Rhonda W Casey (20) | Tina W Mason City (20) | Andrew J West Des Moines (20) | Jason D Sioux City (20) | Patrick T Ames (20) | Zach T Mason City (20) | Stephen P Polk City (20) | Hanna B Des Moines (20) | Roger D Maurice (20) | Ernest N Hinton (20) | Brian S Danbury (20) | Michael K Ankeny (20) | Mark D Altoona (20) | Carl W Forest City  (20) | Duane Z Ellsworth (21) | Jeff S Colo (21) | Steven V Urbandale (21) | Michael R Boone (21) | Merrill C Clive (21) | John W Nevada (21) | Bruce O Fort Dodge (21) | Earl W West Des Moines (21) | Jon C Grimes (21) | Patrick T Ames (22) | Thad L Marshalltown (22) | Eugene G Van Meter (22) | Robert S Des Moines (22) | Philip B Des Moines (22) | Gary M Fort Dodge (22) | Diana M Grimes (22) | Maureen D Urbandale (22) | Craig M Adel (22) | William C Marshalltown (23) | Thomas T Waukee (23) | Michael W Des Moines (23) | Polly W Ankeny (23) | Kent A Polk City (24)

Join the Team of Culinary Heroes in 2025

Think of this program as your personal cookbook for saving lives. Every “ingredient” you add—each platelet donation—helps create a healthier community where patients get the care they urgently need. Plus, you’ll collect fun kitchen accessories and eventually earn an invite to our exclusive 20-donation lunch celebration.

Your compassion and dedication are the secret ingredients that make all the difference in a patient’s life. From the first spatula at 2 donations to the big celebration lunch at 20 donations, we’ll be with you every step of the way, cheering you on and thanking you for your lifesaving commitment.

So, throw on that apron of generosity, sharpen your determination, and let’s whip up a dish of hope for patients in need. Together, we can make this year’s “Recipe for Saving Lives” our most successful dish yet! Bon appétit—and thank you for being the star of our kitchen.

Red or Blue Silicone Spatula 2 Platelet Donations	Neoprene Oven Mitt 4 Four Platelet Donations
You’re heating up and mixing life-changing support into patients’ lives.	You’ve shown steady dedication—like taking a hot casserole out of the oven, you’re carefully and consistently helping patients in need.
Bamboo Cutting Board 6 Platelet Donations	Ice Cream Scoop 8 Platelet Donations
Patients have many hurdles, and your continued donations help “slice” through those challenges.	Nothing tastes sweeter than the knowledge you’ve helped someone fighting an uphill health battle.
BBQ Grill Utensil Set 12 Platelet Donations