What you need to know before planning a blood drive. Please read this first!

How many donors do I need to have a blood drive?
Twenty-five to fifty or more committed donors depending on the size of your group. A full-day blood drive (up to six hours) can be held with as few as 20 donors. We can also come out for a half day with our bus (2-3 hours) and collect 15 and 20 committed donors.

What is a "committed" donor?
Someone who has signed up on the Donor Commitment Sheet stating that they will donate at your blood drive. Our experience shows that prospective donors who sign up in advance will be more committed to giving at your blood drive. Their phone number will help to schedule them once a date is set.

When can I schedule a date for our drive?
When you have a commitment of at least 25 donors, contact the Donor Group Recruitment Program to schedule a date. Blood drives are usually scheduled about two months in advance, but we may have an earlier opening in our schedule.

Why do I have to get advance commitments from donors before I schedule a date?
Through our experience, we have learned that an advance commitment from donors usually ensures that they will participate. Advance commitments help you, your donors and us, your community Blood Program. Because we are a nonprofit organization committed to providing patients and donors with the most cost-effective, high quality services available, advance commitments are necessary. This helps us ensure an adequate supply of blood for patients in your community and make the most efficient use of limited resources.

How do I decide between an indoor blood drive or use the Bloodmobile?
You can do either one depending on the capabilities of your group. For blood drives of 50 or more we recommend you host the drive inside your location. An inside blood drive requires a minimum of 25' x 30' of space (or larger if you expect more than 65 donors). For smaller inside blood drives (15 to 30 donors) you will need a room 20' x 20'. At your site you will also need to provide tables and chairs. The Blood Program will provide all other equipment. If no space is available inside your location, we will bring one of our bloodmobiles. The bus is about 40 feet long, will need about six level parking spaces and can accommodate about 50 donors. The mini-bus is about 25 feet long, will need three to four level parking spaces and can accommodate 20 to 35 donors.

How do I get people to sign up?
Don't be shy; ask them. The main reason people don't donate blood is that they have not been asked. Another option is to form a committee and have each person recruit a certain number of donors. Tell potential donors that each donation can save as many as three lives. Also, if this drive takes place at work, make sure that you have the support from upper management so that your donors may give on company time.

How long does it take to donate?
About 45-60 minutes from walking in the door to walking out. The blood collection of one pint only takes about 7-10 minutes.

Who can donate?
Almost anyone in good health (no colds or flu) who weighs more than 110 pounds, is 18 years or older may donate. Those 16 and 17 may give with a Blood Program permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. For health-related questions, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page or call the resource nurse at 1-800-DONATE-1, x2543. Some medications, medial conditions or risk factors may be a basis for deferral. We encourage all donors to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

I have more questions.
Please contact the Donor Group Recruitment Program. They will help you with the planning and promotion to help make your drive successful.