HOW CAN I HELP?

Become a blood donor:  Your single donation can potentially save three lives.

Host a blood drive:  Nearly 85% of donated blood comes from community and

Business sponsored drives.

Request a presentation:  Someone from the Red Cross would love to speak to your

and your group about blood donation, or hosting a drive.

Volunteer:  Volunteers equal the number of employees, making them a vital part

of the team.  There are many areas where volunteers contribute.

COMMON CONCERNS

I am afraid of needles.

At your Red Cross blood drive, only experienced licensed staff members will draw

your blood.  You will feel a brief pinch, but the donation itself is not painful.

Is it safe to give blood?

Your safety is our priority.  A fresh, disposable tubing and collections set are used

with each donor.  Each needle is used only once and then discarded.

Is blood typed, labeled and distributed by race?

Blood is typed, labeled and distributed to hospitals with no indication of gender or

race of the donor.

If there is a blood shortage, will I be able to get blood if I end up in the hospital?

The American Red Cross makes every effort to ensure that area hospitals have blood

available when patients need it.  We cannot meet the need without your generous gift

of blood donation.

Is my privacy protected?

Yes, all information is held in absolute confidence in the Red Cross data bank.  The

Red Cross must maintain your confidentiality, and will not share information with-

out your specific written consent.

What happens to my blood after it is collected?

Our donation is returned and stored at the central blood bank.  Blood samples are checked for viruses and other communicable diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C.  Those units That pass the testing criteria are released to hospitals usually within 48 hours for patients’ use. If an abnormality is detected, a donor counselor will contact you to discuss the findings.  This is done in strict confidence.

Am I eligible to donate if I have a health condition such as diabetes, anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc?

Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure may still be able to give if the condition is kept under control through medication.  Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE if you have any questions about your ability to donate.

DONATION BASICS

Who can give blood?

Most healthy people who weigh at least 110 pounds and who are seventeen years of age or older (sixteen with parental permission in some states), are eligible to give blood.  Federal regulations Require whole blood donors to wait 56 days between donations.  Please bring photo Idenfication showing date of birth.

Before giving blood. . . .

Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy meals before giving blood.  Between donations, give your body plenty of iron.  Foods rich in iron include: red meats, fish, poultry, broccoli, beans, raisins, and prunes.

Where can I donate?

To find a blood drive or donor center near you, please call or visit the Red Cross online:

1-800-GIVE-LIFE

Givelife.org