1. Blood Drive Coordinator Application - Inova Blood Donor Services

    Blood Drive Steps for Success COVID-19 Precautions Recruitment Strategies Blood Drive Steps for Success Steps for Success Learn about what it takes to host a successful blood drive for your community.   COVID-19 Precautions COVID-19 Precautions Learn about the changes our team has made to protect our team and donors from COVID-19. Recruitment Strategies Recruitment Strategies Read about ideas to promote your blood drive event to make it a success.
  2. Donate Blood

    Select a Topic Below to Learn More! Make an Appointment See your options for making an appointment to donate blood and learn more about the types of appointments you can make. Continue Reading Why Donate? At Inova Blood Donor Services, we recognize that all of our donors have their own personal reasons for donating. Whatever YOUR reason, we hope you will donate and continue to donate regularly to help keep the supply at a stable level. Continue Reading Where Can I Donate?
  3. Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I prepare for my donation? Expand A few days before donating, eat nutritious meals that contain iron-rich foods. The day before donation, drink plenty of fluids and get a good night’s sleep. The day of donation, drink non-caffeinated beverages such as water or juice and do not skip any meals. For More Information, Review Our Blood Donation Checklist! Will it hurt when I donate? Expand Most donors feel a slight “pinch” or “bee sting” sensation when the needle is first inserted.
  4. High School Blood Donors

    In the 2017-2018 school year, high school students contributed 22% of all blood components collected by Inova Blood Donor Services.  By starting to donate in the teen years, you can set up a life-saving habit that could help affect hundreds of lives in the years ahead. With each whole blood donation, a blood donor can save up to three lives.  In addition, many local high schools require students to complete volunteer hours prior to graduation.  We are happy to have volunteers to help us at our larger blood drives, and can sign off on volunteer hours once they are completed.
  5. The Countdown to National Blood Donor Month is ON!

    We are so excited to celebrate with you in January 2021.  The celebration begins in just.... Day Hour Minute Second During National Blood Donor Month in January 2021, we are celebrating YOU! Blood, platelet and plasma donors are everyday heroes that make a difference for patients in our community. Donate blood, platelets or plasma during January 2021 and receive a mug*! Sign up NOW to reserve your appointment to donate during January 2021. *While supplies last, one gift per donor.
  6. Learn About Blood Donation

    Whole Blood Donation This is the most common type of donation received from our donors. The entire process takes about an hour and includes four simple steps: Complete a Donor Health Questionnaire Mini-Physical Health Screening One of our trained staff members will take your temperature, measure your blood pressure, measure your hemoglobin (iron) levels and ask questions about your form and answer any questions you have. The Donation This part typically takes less than 15 minutes Insider Tip:  The donation will go faster if you are hydrated! Insider Tip 2:  Please eat before you donate.
  7. My Donations

    If you have already donated with Inova Blood Donor Services, you can review your donation history by visiting your donor profile.   Steps to Review Your Donations: Log in here. Click “My Donations” Review Your Donation History If eligible, make an appointment for your next donation!
  8. Prepare for Your Donation

    Donation Checklist Donating life-saving blood components is so easy and makes a HUGE impact for our patients in need. Here are the steps you can follow to make your donation a success! See the Checklist Information for First Time Donors Although you probably know there are many good reasons for giving blood, if you have not donated before, you may still be a little nervous.  That’s ok and totally normal!  We want you to know what to expect when you give for the first time, to make you comfortable and to alleviate any anxiety you may feel about the process.
  9. Blood Donation Checklist

    Donating life-saving blood components is so easy and makes a HUGE impact for our patients in need. Here are the steps you can follow to make your donation a success! The Week Before Eat Iron Rich Foods - Learn More If you plan to donate platelets, do not take aspirin or aspirin-related products 48 hours prior to your donation.