Donating Blood Step-By-Step

Donating blood is one of easiest ways to support your community. Your donation will help save the life of up to three people!  If you’ve never donated blood before, you’re probably wondering what you can expect and you may even be a little nervous, but don’t worry!  Giving blood is safe and simple.  Although the actual blood draw takes only a few minutes, the entire donation process takes about an hour.

1. Step 1 Registration

   • Present your photo ID Card
   • Read information sheet about donating blood.

2. Step 2 Donor Health History and Mini Physical

   • Provide basic demographic and health information
   • Answer questions about past and present health history (information is kept private)
   • mini exam to determine if you are able to donate (temperature, blood   pressure, heart rate). Give blood drop to determine hemoglobin level.

3. Step 3 Donation

   • Sit in  “lounge chairs”
   • Answer a few questions from a staff member
   • Once the needle is in place, it usually takes less than 10 minutes to draw a unit (about a pint) of blood.  You’ll squeeze a ball to keep the blood flowing while you read, relax or chat with one of our nurses
   • Finish your donation, after which the needle will be removed and a bandage applied (the bandage is a great way to show off what a hero you are!)

4. Step 4 Go and eat 

   • Sit, relax and have a snack and drink at our donor canteen for a few minutes  
   • All Done! Enjoy your day. You’ve earned it!  You’ve found the Hero in you!

5. Step 5 After Donation

   • Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for a few hours. If you feel light-headed, lie down until feeling better.
   
   
   Don't forget to  :  Drink water  betwen step 2 and 3 !!!!  The more hydrated you are, the faster 
   your donation will be and the better you’ll feel afterwards