Notice: In need of all blood types.
Notice: In need of all blood types. 
Save lives, get rewards.
A program that rewards you for saving lives.
Saving lives through platelet donation is a BIG commitment.
That's why we created a program that rewards you for your time, effort, and generosity.
Just Like Blood
Donations, Platelets
Save Lives
This may be your first time hearing about platelet donations. Like blood donations, platelets are crucial for saving lives. Your donated platelets support local patients, such as those battling cancer or recovering from burns, making a vital impact on our community.
If you need help scheduling an appointment or want to speak with a platelet donation specialist, we’re here to assist you.
What are platelets ?
Platelets are small cells that help the blood to clot. Manufactured in the bone marrow and stored in the spleen, their job is to rush to the site of an injury. Once there, they form a barrier, help the damaged organ or blood vessel stop bleeding, and give the body a chance to begin healing.
Give and Get Rewarded
REWARDING LIFESAVING PLATELET DONORS
- Donate platelets throughout the year (January–December)
- Donate up to 24 times annually
- Earn a reward every 3 donation
- 3rd Donation: $25 E-Gift Card
- 6th Donation: Baseball Cap
- 9th Donation: Cooler Bag
- 12th Donation: $50 E-Gift Card
- 15th Donation: Wearable Blanket
- 18th Donation: $75 E-Gift Card
- 21th Donation: Carhartt Bag
- 24th Donation: $150 E-Gift Card
Frequently Asked Questions
The requirements for donating platelets are the same as donating blood with the exception of a few additional factors:
- Must be a minimum of 17 years old
- Avoid taking Aspirin within 24 hours of your appointment.
- If you have had a history of pregnancy to delivery, you are required to take an easy and quick HLA test, which can be done at any of our donor centers or mobile blood drives.
Once you are in the chair, you can expect the donation process to take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours depending on your donation type. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie with us!
36% of all platelets are given to patients battling cancer. More than 2 million people are diagnosed with a new cancer each year, and many of them will need platelets during the course of their treatment.
Platelets can be donated every 7 days
After collection, platelets have a shelf life of 5-7 days. This means hospitals can’t keep extra on hand and constantly need fresh donations to support patients in need.
In most cases, physical rewards will be given at your next donation appointment (i.e, you just successfully donated to get your 6th donation reward, you will receive your reward at your 7th donation appointment).
For digital rewards such as gift cards, it can take up to 7 days for you to receive your digital gift card via email.
While all blood types are encouraged to donate platelets, A, B, and AB blood types are the most needed by local patients in Kern County.
If you lose or misplace your Gold Club Rewards Punch Card, please let a Houchin staff member know. We can easily replace your card for you at your next donation appointment