Hosting a Blood Drive FAQ

• How many donors do I need to have a blood drive?
  We can come out for 3-4 hours with our small bloodmobile if you have 15-20 donors, or the larger bloodmobile, when you have 25-35 committed donors. A field drive can also be set up at your place of business if you have 20 donors or more

• What is a "committed" donor?
  Someone who has signed up on the Donor Sign-up Sheet stating 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. Taking their phone number will help to make reminder calls 1-2 days before the drive date.

• When can I schedule a date for our drive?
  When you have a commitment of at least 12-15 donors, contact our Blood Drive Coordinator at (559) 389-5433, ext. 5445, 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 they will participate. Advance commitments help you, your donors and us, your community Blood Center. 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 enough resources to adequately service our donors and ultimately ensure an ample supply of blood for patients in your community, making 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 Center 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 four level parking spaces and can accommodate 12 to 24 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 60 minutes from walking in the door to walking out. The collection of one pint of blood only takes about 15 minutes.

• Who can donate?
  Almost anyone in good health (no colds or flu), who weighs a minimum of 110 pounds, and is at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent) may donate. For health-related questions, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Donor Eligibility or call Donor Services at (559) 389-5901. Some medications, medical conditions, or risk factors may be a basis for deferral. We encourage all donors to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

• If you have more questions or want to set up a blood drive.
  Please call (559) 389-LIFE (5433) and a recruiter will be assigned to answer all your questions, provide promotional ideas and materials and guide your organization through the process.