How to Host a Blood Drive

A safe community blood supply is dependent on businesses, community groups, schools and places of worship hosting blood drives and we’re seeking more blood drive opportunities every day. Hosting a blood drive is simple and we’ll guide you every step of the way. If you would like to host but don’t have the space, we have options to host a Virtual Blood Drive or “Takeover” at a Donor Center or Pop-Up.

Host an onsite Blood Drive

Community blood drives are vital to ensuring life-saving blood inventory remains at a safe level for local hospitals. Whether a multi-day inside pop-up site or one day on a bloodmobile bus, we rely on community partner support to make these blood drives happen.

How does it work?

  1. Submit your interest form.
    One of our Community Engagement Liaisons will reach out to get you set up.
  2. We ask for a minimum of 35 donors per day.
  3. A Community Engagement Liaison will guide you every step of the way to ensure a successful blood drive.

Host a Virtual Blood Drive (NEW!)

Do you want to host a blood drive but don’t have a site or location to hold it in? Then hosting a Virtual Blood Drive is for you! Instead of holding a blood drive at one site, a Virtual Blood Drive allows you to recruit your friends, family, and coworkers to give blood on your behalf. Donors are able to give blood at any Bloodworks location!

Donors are able to give blood at any Bloodworks location and count those donations towards your unique blood drive.

Who can participate?

  • Any group with motivation to promote and spread the word on blood donation such as; your business, garden club, soccer team, house of worship, student/school group, or nonprofit – the list is endless!
  • Host a Virtual Drive to honor a loved one who received blood.
  • Rally around an event or special date to make an impact!

How does it work?

  1. Submit your interest form.
    One of our Community Engagement Liaisons will reach out to get you set up.
  2. We will help determine a goal for number of donations and time frame for your drive.
  3. A unique code will be created for you to share with you friends and family (this code is how we track who showed up on your behalf!)
  4. You will be provided messaging to help you encourage your friend and family to give blood.
  5. When a donor comes and uses the code you gave them, they will be counted towards your virtual drive!

Host a “Takeover” (NEW!)

Do you have a group that is interested in rallying around a single day? Have your group fill up the appointment slots and “Takeover” one of our upcoming Pop-Ups or Donor Center!

Takeovers are designed for Groups to help fill appointments on a preselected day at a Donor Center or Pop-Up. The Group commits to filling all selected appointments during a given timeframe (half or full day)

How does it work?

  1. Submit your interest form.
    One of our Community Engagement Liaisons will reach out to get you set up.
  2. Your Group will select what day(s) and locations to “Takeover” and to commit to filling a minimum number of 25 appointments for that half or full day.
  3. Prior to scheduling your Takeover, you will be asked to complete a Donor Commitment Sheet to gauge donor interest and recruit for your Takeover. Our experience shows that people who commit in advance will have a higher chance of giving at your Takeover.
  4. We will provide your group a unique registration link for your donors to sign up.

What do I need to know?

A Community Engagement Liaison will provide you with guidance to plan for a successful campaign. We’ll provide a messaging kit, graphics, and updates along the way. You help spread the word and make a life-saving impact!

How do I get people to sign up?

Don’t be shy; ask them. The main reason people don’t donate blood is that they have not been asked. Another option is to form a committee and have each person recruit a certain number of donors. Post on social media and newsletters, share with your network and ask them to donate blood, and get your group’s leadership involved to also endorse blood donation.

How long does it take to donate blood?

About 45-60 minutes from walking in the door to walking out. The blood collection of one pint only takes about 7-10 minutes.

Who can donate?

For eligibility and health-related questions, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the Clinical Specialists at 1-800-DONATE-1, x2543. Some medications, medical conditions or risk factors may be a basis for deferral. We encourage all donors to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

I have more questions.

Please submit your information on the interest form and your local Community Engagement Liaison will help you with the planning and promotion to help make your drive successful.

Student Education & Leadership Opportunities

Bloodworks Northwest’s Education & Leadership Opportunities offer ways for schools, students, parents, and teachers to help serve their communities by aiding in the recruitment of blood donors to Pop-Up locations and Donor Centers. Learn more.

Your gift of blood, time or money saves lives.