Donating bone marrow or blood cells is an opportunity to help save a life, but there is a time commitment. The typical time commitment for the donation process is 20-30 hours of your time spread out over a four-to-six-week period and requires 3 to 7 days of time off from work. Many companies and organizations have established donor leave policies that provide up to 7 days of paid leave for bone marrow or PBSC donors. If your company or organization is interested in more information on establishing a paid donor leave program, please reference our Donor Paid Leave Materials.
State laws regarding donor leave or tax credits/deductions
Some states have laws requiring employers to provide either paid or unpaid donor leave. Some states also provide a state income tax credit or tax deduction for donation-related expenses, such as lost wages. See state policies here regarding donor leave and tax credits or deductions here: Donor Leave Statutes by State
Donors never have to pay to donate. Medical, travel and most non-medical donation-related costs are covered by Be The Match® or the patient's medical insurance.