If you think you might be interested in hosting a blood drive at your organization, please click here to complete a simple form; a member of our Donor Recruitment Department will get back to you promptly.
Coordinator’s Corner
This section of our website is devoted to helping you coordinate a successful blood drive. Regardless if you’re a veteran coordinator or brand new at hosting blood drives, you’re likely to find some useful information here including LifeShare donor recruitment specialists’ contact information.
Here’s what is available to you in Coordinator’s Corner:
Guidelines for hosting a fun and successful blood drive. Download the Parental Consent Form for those 16-years of age (Lorain County only); those 17 and older do not require parental permission. Download a brochure Smart Questions High School Students Ask. Download a general information brochure on LifeShare. Find out what bloodmobile size options are available to you.
Please take a moment to fill out the Blood Drive Sponsor Survey at the bottom of this page. Tell us how we’re doing!
Contact your donor recruitment specialist for support early and often.
Other helpful Links:
America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is a national network of community-focused, nonprofit blood centers, including LifeShare. Together ABC centers provide just over half the Nation’s blood supply. This is a great site to visit if you’re looking for “the big picture” about blood donation, especially as it relates to communities.
American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) is a national “trade” association. This is a helpful site if you need medical, technical and policy-related information about blood donation.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) oversees blood banks and sets policies related to blood donation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people. Here you can find the latest information about diseases, such as West Nile virus and HIV.
Guidelines for hosting a fun and successful blood drive
To have the most fun and success hosting a blood drive, form an enthusiastic committee. As the team’s leader, here are some guidelines for making the most of your philanthropic efforts.
1. Chat with your LifeShare donor recruitment specialist often about what he or she can do to help you succeed. They have lots of experience and will be eager to brainstorm with you to create the best possible life-saving outcome at your blood drive. They will provide you will all marketing collateral and make presentations to your assembly upon request to help spread the word about the blood drive.
2. If your blood drive committee is representative of the different departments in your organization, you instantly have people that know the routines, schedules and work habits of the people you are hoping to recruit to donate blood. Solicit their advice on when best to host the drive for maximum participation.
3. Many people don’t understand the need to give blood is real and constant. Often all you have to do is ask a person. This may sound simple, but it is a concept that will make your drive incredibly successful if you implement it. Many people will hang posters and send out fliers about the blood drive - but that alone will not convince people to donate blood. They need to be specifically approached so they understand how important their decision could be. At LifeShare, every single gift of blood can be used to save or sustain four lives in the donor’s very community.
4. While about 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate, less than 10 percent does. So, many of the folks you will approach have never given blood before. The primary barrier to donation is fear of the needle. Once first-time donors realize the only sensation is a tiny initial pinch, they become eager future donors.
5. Encourage good-natured competition. In many organizations, competition among departments or membership committees is ongoing. Who can raise the most money, have the best attendance, etc. The same spirit can help make your blood drive a success. Come up with a silly or serious award for the group that donates the most blood based on a percentage.
6. Talk to people and find out if they or anyone they know has needed a blood or component transfusion. Since 97 percent of us will need a transfusion by the age of 72, chances are good they will have some familiarity with a recipient. Encourage them to be part of your committee to help spread the word about the importance donated blood has meant in your life or a loved one’s longevity.
7. Think of novel themes or creative tie-ins that will cause a buzz and get people in your organization talking about the fun and exciting drive you are planning. Your LifeShare recruitment specialist will always make time to think-tank with you!
Blood Drive Coordinator Survey
Your feedback as a coordinator is invaluable to us. Please click here to take a quick survey sponsored by e-donor.