Blood drive

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

Blood Drive

La Casa de Cristo is Partnered with American Red Cross to provide blood for those in need.  The blood donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average.

You’ll answer a few questions about your health history and places you’ve traveled, during a private and confidential interview. You’ll tell us about any prescription and/or over the counter medications that may be in your system. We’ll check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.

There are many ways you can make a difference and save lives.  If you’re donating whole blood, we’ll cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand new sterile needle for the blood draw. Other types of donations, such as platelets, are made using an apheresis machine which will be connected to both arms.

When approximately a pint of whole blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.

2024 Blood Drives
  • October 26th
  • February 15, 2025

American Red Cross Requirements

AGE: 17 or older

WEIGHT: At least 110 pounds

DONORS MUST SHOW IDENTIFICATION CONTAINING LEGAL NAME AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Date of Birth
  • Social security number
  • Red Cross  donor card
  • Photo ID DONATION FREQUENCY:
  • At least eight (8) weeks between whole blood donations.

DO NOT DONATE IF YOU:

  • Have a cold or flu symptoms on the day of donation or do not feel well.
  • Have taken oral antibiotics in the last three (3) days.
  • Have had close contact with a person who has clinical hepatitis within the past twelve (12) months.
  • Had a tattoo, ear or skin piercing, acupuncture, accidental needle stick, or come in contact with someone else’s blood in the past 12 months. (Ear or skin piercing, and acupuncture procedures performed using single-use, sterile or properly heat sterilized equipment are acceptable.)
  • Have received a blood transfusion in the last twelve (12) months.
  • Have had malaria within the last three (3) years or traveled to a malaria risk area within the last twelve (12) months.
  • Are or have been pregnant in the past six (6) weeks.
  • Have been treated for syphilis or gonorrhea in the past twelve (12) months.
  • Have used a needle to inject nonprescription drugs (including steroids).
  • Are at risk for HIV exposure, the virus which causes AIDS.

Other questions regarding donor qualification should be directed to the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross.

Please bring a complete list of medications that you have taken in the past month.

FAQs

Get a good nights sleep. The day of, drink an extra 16 oz of water or non-alcoholic fluids before the donation. Eat a healthy meal the night before and that morning (avoid excessive fatty foods). If you have been sick or not feeling well the week prior, please do not give blood.
Remain in the room for 15 minutes, drink fluids, and have a snack. Notify the staff immediately if you feel lightheaded or “just not right”. Over the next 24 hrs drink an extra four(8 oz) glasses of liquids and avoid alcohol. NO vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Go to redcrossblood.org
  • Top right corner click Sign In
  • Click Create an Account
  • Complete your info (Username is NOT case sensitive but password IS case sensitive)
  • Click Continue and you are ready to reserve your appointment time
Arrive 5 minutes prior to the appointment time.
No, only blood donors are allowed in the room.

To sign up for the blood drive, go to the Red Cross website (redcrossblood.org) and under “ZIP or Sponsor Code”, enter lacasadecristo (all one word). From there select the donation date and then time that works for your schedule.