Blood Bank & Donor Program

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and as people are self-quarantining and social distancing and because schools and large events are cancelled, so are scheduled blood drives. SampsonRMC Blood Donor Center is not affiliated with other blood donor agencies, such as the American Red Cross or The Blood Connection, therefore it relies on community blood donations to maintain an adequate blood supply to help those fighting life threating illnessess, suffering from rare blood disorders, or trauma victims in need of a lifesaving transfusion. Learn more about donating blood during COVID-19.

About Our Donor Program

Sampson Regional Medical Center is one of three hospitals in North Carolina that has its own blood bank and donor program. The demand for blood in our region continues to grow, so if you are eligible to donate blood, we encourage you to do so. Just one blood donation can save up to 3 lives.

Requirements to donate:

• You must be 18 years old (or 16 & 17 years old with parental consent)
• In good health and free of cold or flu symptoms
• Weigh at least 110 pounds (donors age 16 and 17 must meet additional height and weight requirements)

If you are interested in becoming a blood donor or holding a blood drive, please contact our Directory of Laboratory Services at (910) 590-8708 or click here to submit an online request for more information, to schedule an individual donation, or if you would like to schedule an onsite blood drive. 

Blood Assurance Plan

By donating blood at least once a year, you can become a member of our Blood Assurance Plan.  Members in good standing can receive credit on their account for the price of the actual red cells if they were to receive blood at our facility. The above credit also applies to the donor’s spouse and family dependents, as defined for income tax purposes.  If you are interested in becoming a Blood Assurance Plan member please click here to view plan benefits and to print an application.  

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

2nd Tuesday of each month
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

3rd Friday of each month
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

While appointments are not necessary to donate, it is recommended to reserve a time that is convenient for you by calling (910) 596-5417 or click here to submit an online request for your preferred donation time.  While we appreciate walk-ins, there may be times that staff are unavailable due to scheduled community blood drives.   

The Sampson Regional Medical Center Blood Bank is accredited by both AABB (formerly The American Association of Blood Banks) and the Joint Commission and is registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

Donating Blood during COVID-19

The coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process. If you are in good health, it's safe to donate blood. We're taking additional precautions to keep our donors safe.

1. Due to additional precautionary guidelines amidst COVID-19, usual walk-ins cannot be accommodated. The Blood Donor Center requests all donors to make an appointment by calling 910-596-5417.

2. We screen every person entering our facilities, including donors. Prior to donating, donors are additionally screened to ensure they have a healthy temperature, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level. Donors are asked a brief set of questions regarding their health history to make sure they can safely donate, and that their blood can be used for patients.

Additionally, the Blood Donor Center has tightened eligibility requirements for donors in response to COVID-19. The following people should not attempt to donate:

• Anyone who has traveled outside of NC and/or by public transportation within the last 14 days
• Anyone who has flu-like symptoms including a fever, cough or shortness of breath
• Anyone who has interacted with someone who could have been exposed to COVID-19

If a prospective donor has specific questions about eligibility requirements, they may contact the Blood Donor Center at 919-596-5417.

3. Donors can exclusively and safely access the Blood Donor Center through the side door of the Outpatient Diagnostics Center. This entrance is in direct proximity to the Blood Donor Center, which is separate from patient treatment areas.  Upon arrival, donors are asked to ring the side doorbell and wait to be greeted by a staff member.

4. The Blood Donor Center uses sterile collection protocols required by law and is regulated by the FDA and American Blood Bank Association.  As always, cleanliness and sanitation remains a top priority. You will be asked to wear a mask, and our staff will be doing the same for you.