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.
You may be eligible to give platelets today if you gave platelets on or before:
Friday, February 7, 2025
Schedule a Donation
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
If you’ve ever imagined yourself as a master chef, expertly whisking, chopping, and sautéing your way to a showstopping dish—guess what? You can use those same kitchen skills (and enthusiasm!) to help save lives. We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 platelet donor program, where platelet donors are truly the key ingredient in our recipe for saving lives.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Platelets are crucial for patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma recovery, or surgeries, and your donation can save lives in a way that only platelet donations can. After your first platelet donation, you will automatically be enrolled in the platelet program and be rewarded throughout the year. 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 lifesaving care they urgently need and you earn a special gift for hitting various milestones!
Red or Blue
Silicone Spatula
One Platelet Donation
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Neoprene
Oven Mitt
Two Platelet Donations
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| 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 Pizza
Cutter
Three Platelet Donations
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Bamboo Cutting
Board
Four Platelet Donations
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| Patients have many hurdles, and your continued donations help “slice” through those challenges. |
Our LifeServers are a cut above the rest, in AND out of the kitchen. |
Ice Cream
Scoop
Five Platelet Donations
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BBQ Grill
Utensil Set
Ten Platelet Donations
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| Nothing tastes sweeter than the knowledge you’ve helped someone fighting an uphill health battle. |
LifeServers will love this BBQ kit for anything on the grill! |