What to expect when donating blood

Donating blood is a four-step process that takes about an hour.

Step 1: Registration
When you first arrive to the blood drive you will read information about donating blood and asked to complete a form with demographic and basic health information questions. The form requires you to provide your name, address, age, and you will be asked to show proper identification.

Step 2: Health History
A trained staff person will ask you some health history questions during a private and confidential interview. You will also go through a mini-physical where your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and iron level will be evaluated. This is to ensure the safety of the blood supply.

Step 3: Donation
After being screened, staff will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a needle for the blood drawing procedure. You will have 7-10 minutes to relax while the pint-sized bag is filling. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the staff person will remove the needle and place a bandage on your arm.

Step 4: Relax with Refreshments!
You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments and relaxing to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluids. While most people are fine immediately afterward, some people feel slightly weak, but the feeling should pass quickly. You can leave the donation site after a few minutes and carry on with your normal daily activities.