1. The importance of donating blood and how easy it is. WHY SHOULD YOU DONATE BLOOD?

2. WHO NEEDS BLOOD? Children battling cancer Patients having emergency surgery A mother giving birth A young man injured in a car accident A soldier injured in war Victims of natural disasters A patient who has kidney disease A patient who suffers from bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.

3. WHO CAN DONATE? Be healthy- Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, healthy also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control. Be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 years old with parental consent if allowed by state law. Weigh at least 110 lbs.

4. DONATING BLOOD IS SIMPLE, BUT IT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE… THE PROCESS TAKES ABOUT AN HOUR. THE DONATION ITSELF IS ONLY ABOUT 8-10 MINUTES ON AVERAGE. Step 1: Staff/Volunteers will sign you in & go over basic eligibility & donation information. You will read information about donating blood, & will need to present a donor card, driver's license, or other ID. Registration Health History & Mini Physical The Donation Step 2: You will answer some questions privately on the computer about your health history & places you have traveled. Staff will then come in and check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, iron level by finger stick. Step 3: Staff will cleanse an area on your arm & insert a brand new sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch & is over in seconds. The actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which you will be seated comfortably. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm. Refreshments Step 4: After donating, you should have a snack & something to drink in the refreshments area. You can leave the site after 10-15 minutes and continue with your normal daily activities. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped save lives.

5. POST-DONATION Here is what to do after your donation: Hydrate More You should continue to drink water throughout the day of your donation. Avoid Heavy Lifting or Exercise Try not to exert yourself too much for the rest of the day. The next time you can donate is in 56 days or 2 months.

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