1. All you need to know before donating blood!

2.  If you are between 16 and 18 years of age ◦ There are specific height-weight requirements  If you are 19 or older ◦ You must weigh at least 110 pounds  You can donate every 56 days (for regular whole-blood donation)  Other eligibility criteria may be found at www.redcrossblood.org/donating- blood/eligibility-requirements

3.  Eat beforehand  Drink plenty of water  Bring your photo ID/donor card  Bring a list of any medications you are currently taking  Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be easily pushed up

4.  You will be greeted at the greeter table ◦ You will sign in and then read a packet of information regarding the donation process  You will move on to health history and take mini- physical ◦ Health history questionnaire ◦ Temperature ◦ Pulse ◦ Blood Pressure ◦ Hemoglobin level  Now you donate! ◦ The donation area will be cleaned ◦ You will feel a quick pinch as the needle is inserted ◦ After about 8-10 minutes, you will be done!  You will be escorted to the canteen ◦ Enjoy food and beverages before you leave

5.  Most people are fine after donating  You should re-hydrate and avoid heavy lifting for the remainder of the day

6.  Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood  More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day  One donation can help save up to three lives ◦ Whole blood donations contain  Red blood cells-carry oxygen from the lungs to tissue  Platelets-help with clotting  Plasma-supply nutrients to cells

7.  You donate two units of red blood cell ◦ Normal whole blood donation includes red blood cells, platelets, and plasma ◦ Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component, which is what you will be donating!  What are the eligibility requirements? ◦ Males-at least 5’1” and 130lbs ◦ Females-at least 5’5” and 150lbs  What are the benefits? ◦ Smaller needle ◦ You donate twice as much, so there are approximately four months between donations ◦ You take priority at the blood drive! ◦ Quicker recovery time  You don’t lose the fluid portion of your blood, so you feel more hydrated after donating

8.  Who needs platelets? ◦ Chemotherapy patients ◦ Organ transplant patients  Why donate platelets? ◦ It takes 12-18 whole blood donations to equal one platelet donation  What is the process? ◦ About a quarter of a pint of blood is drawn at a time, filtered through a cell-separating machine, and then returned to your body (with only platelets removed) ◦ It normally takes 1.5-2 hours, during which time you can read, study, listen to music, etc.  How often can I donate? ◦ Every two weeks!  Will it interfere with regular blood donation? ◦ No! You can still give regular blood donations

9.  Visit www.redcross.org for more information and to schedule an appointment to donate!www.redcross.org