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Secretary Thompson's Blood Donation Challenge - Give Thanks! Give Life! Give Twice!  


What to Expect the First Time You Donate Blood

1. Call. Make an appointment to donate at the next workplace blood drive, or find the nearest blood center and schedule an appointment.

2. Register to Donate. Arrive on time. Bring picture identification.

3. Complete a Medical Screening. Answer general health and lifestyle questions in a private setting while a medical professional takes your vital signs. Donors must meet guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration. You may be temporarily or permanently deferred during this process. If this occurs, you will receive detailed information regarding the reasons for the deferment. Information remains confidential.

4. Donate Blood. Relax while a medical professional cleans your arm and uses a sterilized needle to draw blood. Each needle is used only once and then discarded. There is no chance of contracting AIDS or any other communicable disease from donating blood. The actual donation takes 6 to 8 minutes.

5. Rest in the Canteen. Raise your blood sugar and replenish fluids. Refreshments -- usually juice and cookies -- are served after you give blood. You will be asked to stay a minimum of 10 minutes.

6. Donate Again! Give the gift of life as often as every 8 weeks. Register for your next donation. Thank you for giving the gift of life!

Follow-up Care

  • Drink more liquids than usual in the next few hours. No alcoholic beverages.
  • Eat a hearty meal.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes before smoking.
  • Raise your arm and apply pressure if there is bleeding from the site where blood was drawn.
  • If you feel faint or dizzy, sit down with your head between your knees or lie down with your head lower than the rest of your body.
  • Resume normal activity after 30 minutes.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Call the blood center and ask to speak with a member of the nursing or medical staff if you do not feel well or have any other concerns after your donation.

Secretary's Blood Donation Challenge | Blood Donation Facts | Questions & Answers | You May Not Be Able to Donate | How-To Links