Blood Drive
Join us for a blood drive hosted by OneBlood and inspired by the compassion of a college-aged Christ Church parishioner in memory of a high school classmate who died tragically in a car accident. The need for blood is urgent and every pint matters. Your donation could save lives.
Donors will receive: a $20 eGift Card and a Oneblood gift. Walk-ins will be welcomed but registration is requested.
Contact Elizabeth Angerson at angersone@christchurchcharlotte.org with any questions.
Here are some steps to take when preparing to donate
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water before donating. Being well-hydrated helps make the blood donation process easier and can prevent dizziness afterward.
- Eat a Healthy Meal
- Have a healthy meal before donating, ideally a couple of hours before your appointment. Foods rich in iron, like leafy greens, red meat, or fortified cereals, are especially helpful.
- Avoid fatty foods (like fast food or fried foods) as they can affect blood tests and make it harder to process your donation.
- Get Plenty of Rest
- Ensure you’ve had a good night’s sleep (at least 6-8 hours) the night before donating. Donating while tired can increase the chances of feeling lightheaded or faint.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
- Refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages (like coffee or energy drinks) for 24 hours before donation. These can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of feeling faint.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
- Wear a shirt with sleeves that can easily be rolled up, as the blood donation will be taken from a vein in your arm.
- Bring Identification and Donor Card
- Bring a form of ID and, if you have one, your blood donor card. It helps speed up the check-in process.
- Know Your Medical History
- Be ready to answer questions about your medical history, including any recent illnesses, surgeries, medications, or travel history. Some conditions may prevent you from donating or may require waiting for a certain period before donation.
- Avoid Heavy Exercise
- Refrain from intense physical activity on the day of your donation, as it can increase your risk of feeling faint or dizzy.
- Bring a Support Person (Optional)
- If it’s your first time donating, or you’re nervous, consider bringing a friend or family member for support. It’s okay to have someone accompany you for reassurance.
- Relax
- Donating blood is a simple, safe process. Take deep breaths and try to relax. Many people feel fine during and after the donation, so don’t worry too much about the process.
