HOW TO SIGN-UP
- Call the church office at 282-6367, or the parish nurse at 741-9155
DID YOU KNOW?
- Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds
- There is no substitute for human blood, and it’s only available through blood donation
- Donors can give every 56 days – up to six times a year
- Currently, 60% of blood donors only give once a year
- Only 5% of the population donate blood
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLOOD DONATION
Requirements
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Feel healthy and well
What you need to do to prepare
- Do not skip meals on the day of donation
- Drink a few extra glasses of water in the days before you donate
- Eat a healthy meal before your donation
- Eat iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, iron-fortified cereals, raisins
- Make healthy food choices
- Start the day with a bottle of water or a glass of orange juice. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
Registration
- Bring list names of medications you take and list of places you traveled outside of the United States and Canada
Health history and screening
- Before your blood donation, your temperature will be taken, your blood pressure and pulse will be measured, and your hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells) will be checked.
- You will be asked questions during a private confidential interview. This protects your health as well as the safety of patients who will receive your blood.
Donation
- An area of your arm will be cleaned, and the blood draw process will begin
- The collection process will take 8-10 minutes. You can relax, listen to music, play on your phone or talk to Marsh Regional team members and other donors while you give.
- After collecting one pint of blood, a team member will remove the needle and place a bandage on your arm.
- If you become dizzy or lightheaded at any time during or after your donation, tell Marsh Regional team members immediately. You might need to sit or lie down until you feel better.
After donation
- For 24 hours, drink more fluids than usual and avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting
- If your arm begins to bleed, raise it above your head and apply pressure
- Wait 2 hours before removing the bandage from your arm
- Tell your family and friends how easy it is to save lives.
- Wear your Marsh Regional t-shirt with pride
THANK YOU FOR DONATING
