WHY SHOULD YOUR COUNCIL HOST OR PARTICIPATE IN A BLOOD DRIVE

The mission of the various blood centers around the state of Illinois is to fill a need: to provide and maintain an adequate supply of blood and blood products for area hospitals to draw upon in order to meet the anticipated and actual transfusion needs of patients.

• Red Blood Cells

The main function of the red blood cell is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells and to bring the waste product (carbon dioxide) back to the lungs where it is exhaled. Used in most transfusions today. Can be stored for only 42 days.
• Platelets
  Main function of platelets is to help blood coagulate or clot so as to aid in stopping the bleeding, and must be stored in constant motion. Can only be stored for 5 days.
• Plasma
  Plasma makes up about 55% of the volume of your blood. It is the fluid in which living cells are suspended and transported. It is the carrier of minerals and hormones, and is essential to normal body development.

Who benefits from blood donations?

Examples of transfusion needs are:
• Cancer, up to 8 units/month.
• Bone marrow transplant, up to 2 units/day.
• Liver transplant, up to 100 units.
• Auto accident/gunshot wound, up to 50 units.
• Cardiovascular surgery, 2 – 25 units.

Guess what!

• More than 95% of Americans reaching age 72 will need blood in their lifetime.
• About 75% of all people over the age of 30 have at least one personal acquaintance who has had a blood transfusion.
• Blood is a fragile substance. It is a liquid, living tissue that must be used within 42 days of the time it is donated.

So, what do we need to do to host a Blood Drive in our Community?

1. Contact your area Blood Center for open dates, materials etc.
2. Schedule a convenient date when most donors would likely attend.
3. Organize your Blood Drive team. They will be responsible for determining effective strategies for recruiting donors and awareness of the drive.
4. Secure and reserve a large space such as a conference room, gymnasium, council hall etc. with adequate lighting, electrical outlets, temperature control and access to restrooms. You will need tables, chairs and wastebaskets for registration and canteen areas.
5. Plan the drive. Determine goals, objectives and strategies.
6. Publicize the drive, Provide channels for your area blood center marketing material.
7. Recruit and schedule donors. This step is extremely important, however walk-in donors are always welcome on the day of the drive.
8. Hold the drive. Supply volunteers to setup, manage registration and canteen efforts and the take down at the end of the day.
9. Recognize your blood donors in some tangible way.
10. Hold a post-drive evaluation and schedule your next drive.
11. Most important of all. Fill in and submit the report to the state office. Report forms are available on our website ‘www.illinoisknights.org’ under “programs/community/blood drive”, or “forms”, or contact your Commuity activity director/Blood Drive Chairman.

Ok, so you don’t have adequate facilities.
If you don’t have the facilities to conduct the drive, your area blood center may be able to provide you with a Mobile Coach (a large van capable of handling up to 50 donors) to hold the drive in which case all you need is a level parking lot with access to restrooms.

If this is not possible or available, then consider volunteering to help at any blood drive that is being held in your community.

What’s in it for you?

• Remember, hosting or volunteering for a blood drive for the patients in your community cannot be measured in dollars or time.
• There is a very positive public relations appeal felt by the community toward the host of a blood drive.
• It improves your councils’ image as a good corporate citizen.
• A mini-physical for donors is conducted at all drives.
• Giving blood is a contribution to the entire community. It is the most generous of acts.

It is truly "Giving the gift of Life"

Gary Gunderson
Community activity Director/Blood Drive chairman
Illinois State Knights of Columbus