FAQ

1. Where does the money come from?

The money comes from our partner blood bank. Blood Banks typically spend $25 in the promotion and recruitment of 1 blood donor.  The largest expense is for a full-time blood donor recruiter, who after salary, training, benefits and bonuses, costs approximately $15 per blood donor.  Throw in an incentive for each blood donor, such as a T-Shirt ($5-10), ice cream coupon ($2) or gas card (up to $15) and the cost approaches $25 quickly.  Blood for Missions is contracted with our partner blood bank to replace the recruiter as an independent consultant (@ $5 per blood donor) and instead of incentives, gives the remaining $20 to missions.  In exchange, our partner blood bank is given exclusive rights to our large, efficient blood drives during times of critical need.

2. How much blood will I be asked to give?

Per FDA guidelines, each blood donor may healthily give 1 pint of blood, and may donate blood every 56 days.  The average person has 10 pints of blood, and giving blood regularly is very healthy and safe.

3. Do I need to bring anything with me?

Make sure to bring a picture I.D., such as a driver’s license.

4. What are some reasons why I wouldn’t be able to give blood?

The short version….

  • Must be at least 17 years old (16 year olds may give with parent present)
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs.
  • Healthy on day on the drive (no colds, flu, fevers)
  • No tattoos in the last year
  • May donate whole blood once every 2 months (56 days)
  • Must have picture I.D. to donate

The long version from the FDA’s website: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048368.htm#AmIEligibletoDonateBlood

Am I Eligible to Donate Blood?

To meet the basic requirements for giving blood, you must be healthy (feel well and be able to perform normal activities) and:

  • have a blood pressure within normal limits
  • have a normal temperature
  • be free from acute respiratory diseases
  • be at least 16 years old
  • have a normal blood hemoglobin level
  • not have donated blood in the last 56 days

A number of conditions, which will be discussed with you at the donation site, make you temporarily or permanently ineligible to give blood, such as:

  • past use of needles to take drugs that were not prescribed by a doctor
  • being a male who has had sexual contact with another male since 1977
  • getting tattooed in the last year (unless done under sterile conditions)
  • living in or visiting certain countries during designated periods of time, for example, living for a period of time in a country where “mad cow disease” is found or visiting an area where malaria is found.

5. How long does the process take?

The whole process should take 45 minutes to 1 hour, although the actual blood donation time is 5-10 minutes.

6. How old do you have to be to give blood?

You must be at least 17 years old or older to donate blood.  16 year olds may donate with a parent present.

7. Are diabetics allowed to give blood?

Diabetics who are on insulin or other medication and are healthy are eligible to give blood.

8. Is any blood type needed?

Yes!  As people of all blood types need blood, people of all blood types must give blood.  Come donate and bring a friend!

9. How soon can I drive after giving blood?

You will be fine to continue your regular life, including driving, after giving blood.  Immediately after your blood donation, you will be required to rest for 15 minutes while drinking juice/water and enjoying the snacks provided by our partner blood bank.  In the 24 hours following your blood donation, it is recommended that you do no heavy lifting or working out.

10. Do I need to fast before I donate blood?

No.  Actually, it is recommended that you eat regular meals and drink plenty of water prior and following your blood donation.