General:
Am I qualified to donate blood?
There are many screening measures in place to ensure a safe donation. You may contact the BWH Blood Donor Center prior to the blood drive regarding any medications you are taking, travels you have made, or other questions you have about your individual eligibility to donate blood. In general, to donate blood you must be:
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At least 17 years old
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Weigh at least 110 pounds
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Be in good general health
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Be free of antibiotics and dental cleaning for 48 hours prior to your donation
You can also visit the BWH Blood Donor Center Web site for more information about eligibility at www.brighamandwomens.org/blooddonation. See Donating.
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What happens to my blood after I donate?
On a daily basis cancer patients, trauma victims, and transplant recipients are only a few of the many patients who depend on volunteer blood donors. The blood you donate will go directly to someone in need. BWH transfuses more than 37,000 units of red blood cells annually.
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I’ve donated blood before. How frequently can I donate?
You can donate blood once every 56 days.
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What happens during the donation?
Prior to the donation you will complete a confidential screening about your medical and travel history to ensure your eligibility. After the donation you will enjoy a refreshment and brief period of relaxation before returning to your normal daily activities. In total, the process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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How can I prepare to donate blood?
Before your donation make sure to have something to eat and drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids.
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What should I bring when I donate?
On the day of the donation, please bring:
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How long will it take to donate?
The actual donation takes only about 15 minutes. Plan on additional time for the pre-screening and post-donation relaxation and refreshment. In total, the process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Does it hurt to donate?
Most people will say they only feel a slight pinch of the needle at the start of the donation. Many people also report feeling great after donating because they know they’ve helped patients in need.
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How much blood is taken?
A “unit” of blood is collected during a donation, which is equivalent to about one pint of blood. Most adults have between 10-12 pints of blood in their bodies. Your body will replace the lost fluids within 24 hours and begins to replace the lost blood cells right away.
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Is donated blood stored?
Yes, although blood is perishable and can only be stored for 42 days. Blood donors are always needed to keep up a constant supply.
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I still have questions - how do I contact the BWH Blood Donor Center?
Don’t hesitate to contact the blood donor center with any questions you have at anytime. You can reach the donor center by phone, email, or find information about blood donation on their Web site.
Blood drive specific:
If my organization decides to sponsor a blood drive, how much will it cost?
There are no fees associated with running a blood drive. BWH will provide all equipment, staff, gifts for donors and even refreshments. We ask that you spend some time recruiting donors to help ensure the success of the drive.
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What does my organization need to do to sponsor a blood drive?
There are three primary responsibilities for sponsoring a blood drive:
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First, provide a suitable location, which should be large enough to accommodate the blood drive operations (waiting, interview, draw, rest/refreshment), well lighted, temperature-controlled, and restroom accessible. BWH will confirm the location you have in mind is suitable via a site-check.
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Then, publicize the drive within your organization to recruit donors.
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Finally, schedule appointments to donate blood at the drive.
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How long does it take to plan a blood drive?
BWH needs about 2 months notice to schedule a date and staff for the blood drive. You should begin recruiting donors and scheduling appointments about 1 month before the blood drive.
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How much time will our organization’s “blood drive coordinator” need to spend working on the blood drive?
The primary responsibilities of the blood drive coordinator are publicizing the drive within the organization, recruiting and scheduling appointments with blood donors, and communicating with the BWH Blood Donor Center. There’s no set amount of time we ask you to invest, however the more donors you recruit, the greater the success of the blood drive.
We’ll provide you with the following tools to help you recruit donors:
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flyers and posters
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content for your organization’s newsletter, bulletin, or to email about the need for blood donors
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appointment reminder cards
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How long does a blood drive last?
Most blood drives are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will need about 30 minutes before and after the drive to set up and clean up.
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I’m busy the day of the blood drive – what else can I do to help?
If you’re not able to donate on the day of the drive, there are other ways you can help:
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