So, you’re thinking about giving blood at your high school drive? Or maybe you’re already in? Awesome! You probably have some questions… What’s it like to donate? Will it hurt? How long does it take? How will I feel afterward? Is it good for me? Who does it help?
If you’re like most first-time donors, the unknowns of blood donation can feel daunting. But the good news is, once you’ve done it, you’ll wonder why you were nervous at all! In fact, the number one reason people are likely to donate blood is if they have done it in the past. So you see, experience is a great teacher!
But don’t just take our word for it: Watch the quick video below to hear from other students donating in real time. And read on for more information about how you can prepare to donate, take care of your body, and take advantage of some great rewards for donors.
Ready, Set, Donate!
Giving blood is easier than you think! The whole process takes about an hour, and the actual blood donation takes typically 7-10 minutes. Our team will be there to guide you every step of the way, so don’t worry if you’re nervous the first time… you’re not alone!
You’re doing an incredible thing when you donate blood, too. In just a few minutes, you could be impacting the lives of several patients, providing real hope to their loved ones, and improving the health of your community. Nobody knows when they’ll need blood, but we’re all grateful it is there when we need it.
Did you know that there is no replacement for human blood? We’re incredibly lucky that, in the U.S., all blood donors are volunteer, providing a safe and reliable supply for anyone who needs it. You can learn more here about different blood donation systems in the world and what makes ours so unique.
Before your appointment:
- Always be sure to drink plenty of water before donating blood!
- Eat an iron-rich meal. Eating enough iron is essential to ensuring that your hemoglobin level is right for donating. You can check out some tips on getting enough iron here.
- Bring your donor ID. If you have a donor ID, be sure to bring it with you to your appointment. First-time donors or returning donors without a donor ID card should bring a valid state-issued photo identification.
Avoid alcohol and fatty foods for 24 hours, and aspirin (if donating platelets) for 48 hours, before your donation.
The Donation Process
Congratulations, you made an appointment to donate blood and save lives! So what happens now? There are four basic steps to every blood donation:
- Registration
- Medical History
- Donation
- Rest & Refreshments
After your blood donation:
- Always be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
- Sit down or lie down if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Call our post-donation callback line at (650) 725-9968 if you feel unwell.
- Rest and replenish iron. We recommend you take an iron supplement and/or eat foods rich in iron combined with a source of vitamin C after your donation.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after donating, and be sure to keep that bandage on for a few hours!
Please call our post-donation callback line at (650) 725-9968 immediately if you:
- feel that your blood should not be given to a patient;
- are not sure that your blood is safe;
- develop a fever within 24 hours after donating;
- have any illness within two weeks of your donation; or
- are diagnosed by a physician as having West Nile, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, or Ebola virus Infection.
Donor Rewards and Promotions
Blood donation is rewarding in more ways than one! With every donation, you’ll earn points that you can trade in our Donor Loyalty Store for e-gift cards, t-shirts, bags, mugs, and all kinds of eco-friendly stuff. PLUS, we have special promotions all year round for our donors to say thank you for going out of their way for their community. Whether you like e-gift cards, a Golden State Warriors sweatshirt, San Francisco Giants tickets, a chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences, or collectible t-shirts, we’ve got something for everyone!
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
We have special opportunities just for high school students, too! Donating blood may make you eligible for our Red Cord program, which lets you walk with an extra honor cord in your graduation ceremony. And check out our scholarship program to see if you might be a good fit. We also have a robust volunteer program for students wishing to complete their volunteer service requirements.
RED CORD PROGRAM
Give blood a minimum of one time during your high school career to earn a red cord to wear at your graduation ceremony. Become a blood drive coordinator to earn a special red and white cord.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
SBC will award up to $1,000 in scholarship funds to select high school students each academic year. Qualified applicants will be graduating seniors who have participated in coordinating a successful blood drive on their high school campus.
VOLUNTEERING
All of our volunteer opportunities include free orientation and training. Minimum age for volunteering is 16. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, download and complete a brief volunteer application.
Get the SBC app
Manage your appointments, keep a digital copy of your donorID card, earn badges, redeem rewards, and see your donor wellness test results all in one place! Learn more here.
