To give you an idea of what to exect, follow our new donor, *Erich Pirschel, through his visit. * Erich is a medic in the U.S. Army Reserves. His mom, Diane Pirschel, is the Quality Assuarance Coordinator at the Community Blood Bank. He graciously shared his first donation with us so that we can share his visit with you!

#1 In the lobby, you will register with the receptionist and receive your Donor History Form on a clipboard. Each time that you donate, the procedure is the same.

#2 Relax in the lobby's waiting area & complete the Donor History Form. At this time, you will read that What You Should Know About Donating Blood pamphlet. A copy will be on your clipboard with you Donor History Form.

#3 When you are finished answering the questions, a trained CBB employee will go with you to a private screening booth. We will go over your answers with you, ask the questions that we are required by law to ask verbally and perform a mini-physical. The mini-physical consists of checking your blood pressure, your pulse, your temperature and your iron level.

#4 After the screening step is complete, you will recline upon a comforable chair in the Donor Room. Next, we will scrub the donation site and label your bag.

#5 After a new, sterile needle is inserted (it only hurts for a second!), you are donating blood! RElax - you are sharing the "gift of life!"

#6 While you are donating, we will give you an instruction sheet to review. Feel free to ask questions at any time before, during or after your donation.

#7 Local blood donors are literally the lifeline of the local suplly. See the blue heart shaped sticker on Erich's shirt? That sticker says "Be Nice to Me - I Gave Blood." Your next eligibility date (the next date that you can donate) is written in the white box. Put this sticker on that date on your calendar to remind you to give again.

#8 After your donation is complete, we will remove the needle & put a bandage on your arm. It should be left on for at least 4 hours. We will begin processing your unit immediately and then separate it into blood components like plasma, platelets, and red blood cells, in our lab. After the testing is completed, your unit of blood will go to a local hospital to help a local patient.

#9 Lastly, you need to begin replenishing your fluids. Enjoy a snack in our refreshment area and be sure to eat the next meal. No meals should be skipped before or after donating blood.