Becoming involved with BloodCenter of Wisconsin early in life gives you a great start to becoming a life-long contributor to your community. Giving blood is a volunteer opportunity like no other. You are directly contributing to saving lives and enhancing the health of people in your community. Although you probably already know many of the great reasons to give blood, it’s normal to be a little nervous if you haven’t donated before. To help ensure that you have a pleasant experience when you give blood, please read through these suggestions. And it’s not only about blood donation — BloodCenter has several programs that let you contribute in other ways, too.

Am I eligible to donate blood? General eligibility criteria

• You must be at least 17 years old (16-year-olds may donate with parental consent. For more information, please read Parental Information on Blood Donation.
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Be free of major cold, flu, and allergy symptoms
• Present a photo I.D. with birth date
• Not have had hepatitis after age 1
• Not have had any risk factors/behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS 

Additional eligibility criteria for male donors, age 16 to 18:

• You must weigh 120 lbs. if you are 4′10″
• You must weigh 115 lbs. if you are 4′11″
• You must weigh 110 lbs. if you are 5′ or taller      

Additional eligibility criteria for female donors, age 16 to 18:

• You must weigh 133 lbs. if you are 5′1″
• You must weigh 129 lbs. if you are 5′2″
• You must weigh 124 lbs. if you are 5′3″
• You must weigh 118 lbs. if you are 5′4″
• You must weigh 115 lbs. if you are 5′5″
• You must weigh 110 lbs. if you are 5′6″
• If you are shorter than 5′1″, you may still be eligible to donate blood. 

What to expect when you donate

• Present your photo ID card.
• Receive information sheet about donating blood to read.
• Provide basic personal information such as name, address, phone, and birth date.
• Answer questions about past and present health history. Don’t worry; this information is kept confidential.
• Undergo a “mini exam” to determine if you are able to donate (your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate will be measured).
• Give blood drop to determine blood count level.
• Sit in a comfortable donor bed near other donors.
• Answer a few questions and extend the arm you’ll be donating from.
• Squeeze a ball to keep the blood flowing. Once the needle is in place, it usually takes less than 10 minutes to draw a unit of blood.
• Occasionally, it may be necessary to lower the upper part of your bed and/or raise your legs.
• Complete your donation, after which the needle will be removed and a bandage will be applied.
• Sit and relax for a few minutes to have a snack and a beverage after being escorted to the café.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for a few hours. If you feel light-headed, lie down until you feel better. Students who participate in athletics should wait 12 hours or more before resuming strenuous physical activities.

Ultimate Share ProgramThe Ultimate Share Program is designed to give recognition to students, faculty and administrators for their support of BloodCenter’s life-saving mission. It is also a unique opportunity for high school students to learn and practice leadership skills that will last a lifetime. The program has three unique components:

• Developing leadership skills among students
• Recognizing students at graduation
• Awarding financial scholarships for higher education 

BloodCenter has developed this distinctive program to teach students to plan, organize, motivate and work within a team to get results. Professionals from BloodCenter will guide students through the process of coordinating a blood drive and offer support every step of the way. The lasting effects will be priceless: students are prepared for future leadership roles in college and beyond while patients in our local hospitals receive life-saving blood and blood products.

Earning an Ultimate Share Honor CordAll students will be invited to register for the Honor Cord Program. Of course, donating blood earns points, but recognition is also available to those who contribute to the success of a blood drive by volunteering or recruiting donors. Students earn points for their advocacy of BloodCenter’s mission and their involvement in our activities in several ways:

• Blood donation
• Volunteering
• Facebook
• Organ and tissue donation
• Marrow donation 

Graduating seniors who earn 6 points or more will receive an Honor Cord to wear at graduation (if your school allows). The recognition is also a great addition to your resume and is a topic you can address in job or college interviews when you describe your community service. You will receive credit for past donations and service. 

High school students should register for the Honor Cord Program today.  Honor Cord Program
 

Ultimate Share Scholarship AwardEach month, scholarship awards will be awarded to deserving high schools that host a blood drive. Awards will be given for three categories every month:

• Total number of lives saved at drive
• Percent of total participation of high school students
• Random drawing