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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Are You a First Time Donor? Thank you for your interest in donating life-saving blood!  Giving blood is safe, quick and easy.  The entire process takes about an hour and a single blood donation can help save up to three lives! 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.

Book Your Appointment Book a Blood Drive Find Location to Donate Book Your Appointment Ready to reserve your appointment slot to donate for patients in need?  Easily book your appointment by calling 1-866-256-6372 or click here to make an appointment.   Book a Blood Drive Interested in hosting a blood drive? Interested in hosting a blood drive?  Click here to learn more! Find Location to Donate Click here to type in your zip code and find the location most convenient to you-- at a blood drive or center location.

Why Donate? Patient Stories Inventory Why Donate? There is no substitute for human blood.   Only 38% of U.S. Population is eligible to donate, and less than 10% actually do. Interested in more information about why blood is needed?  Read more. Patient Stories Hear Real-Life Experiences There are countless stories about how patients have benefitted from blood products.  Read how you can make a difference with a donation.