OneBlood Blood Drive

Join us on Sunday, December 22, 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. During this season of giving, your donation could be the greatest gift of all—helping save lives. The need for blood is urgent and every pint matters.

Donors will receive: a $20 eGift Card, six reusable OneBlood cups, and a wellness checkup to include blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Appointments are encouraged, please visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 43327. Walk-ins will be welcomed.

Here are some steps to take when preparing to donate

1. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water before donating. Being well-hydrated helps make the blood donation process easier and can prevent dizziness afterward.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.