Blood Drives Fast Facts
- each unit can impact up to three lives!
- donating blood burns 650 calories!
What to do before you donate
Carb up! Eat a healthy, balanced meal the day of your donation and make sure you are hydrated. While there is always a small risk of having a reaction to a donation, by eating a good meal and maintaining hydration you significantly reduce your risk.
What to expect when you donate blood
Get on the Bus!
Bring your photo ID (state ID or student ID). If possible, bring a friend! Bringing someone not only doubles the impact of donating, but will help you both to feel more relaxed.
When you get on the Big Red Bus you will have some paperwork to fill out. After the paperwork, you will have a mini-health screening that includes a hemoglobin (iron) test, temperature, and blood pressure.
Donating
The process of donating takes about 10-15 minutes once you actually begin. You’ll feel a small stick as the needle enters, but the procedure after that is usually painless.
After
Make sure you stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. You will be asked to refrain from heavy lifting with your donation arm for the rest of the day. Remember that donating blood increases the effects of alcohol and alcohol dehydrates you, so drinking after donating is not recommended.
Why should I donate blood?
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What happens to the blood after I donate?
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Do I have to donate blood to support UCF Blood Drives?
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How long will it take to replenish the pint I lose?
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Who can donate?
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Benefits of Donating
- Mini-physical
- Know your blood type
- Volunteer hours
- Check our incentives list for items like movie tickets and t-shirts given away at some drives!