Sponsor Information

Did you know that 60% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5% do? 

In an average week, patients at the   University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC)  need over 600 units of blood products, but collections fall short of patient demand.  A great way to help meet this need is by sponsoring a blood drive through the DeGowin Blood Center.  All donations made through DeGowin are used locally by patients at the UIHC.  

Organize a drive

What is your potential for a successful drive?
A great way to figure this out is to find out how many donors would be interested in participating in a blood drive.  Ask others to put their name on a list of interested participants; this can be done via email, posters, or commitments sheets.  Use the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising.  Talk to people in your group and get their feedback to determine interest level. 

Set a date.
When choosing a day and time, consider the appropriate time of day for the group of donors participating.  Think about time of year, peak vacation times (including you, as the sponsor), scheduled events, etc.  Drives are typically scheduled for a 4 hour time frame, but can be adjusted to what is best considering your group of donors.  These should be the 4 hours of the day when the majority of the potential donors are available. 

Choose a location.
Tour the potential site with the Blood Drive      Coordinator.  Choose a location that is convenient for your group of donors.  Discuss traffic flow, space requirements, restroom access,  temperature, and lighting. 

Set a goal.
Consider the number of people in your group and       discuss a goal with the Blood Drive Coordinator. 

Get creative.
Some ideas include organizing teams or offering rewards for certain achievements.  Consider extras like pizza parties, themes, contests... be as creative as you like and make it fun!

Before the drive

Recruit and Promote!
The best strategy for a successful drive is direct contact!  Ask group members to sign-up for the drive, one on one communication is proven to be the most effective way to promote the drive.  The DeGowin Blood Center will provide sign-up sheets (& access to online sign-up),  posters, flyers, bulletin inserts, and table tents, and pledge cards.  

Lead the drive.
Remind donors of their scheduled times.  Stay in close contact with the Blood Drive Coordinator to fine tune details of the drive.  Be sure to be available (or have a designee pre-assigned) the day of the drive for last minute questions and group  support.

Acknowledge donors.
Recognize the donors and thank them for their wonderful contribution!       Remind each donor that their gift is helping our local community to meet its blood needs and they have helped make a difference in someone's life.

Acknowledge donors.
Recognize the donors and thank them for their wonderful contribution!       Remind each donor that their gift is helping our local community to meet its blood needs and they have helped make a difference in someone's life.

And finally...
Always feel free to ask questions during the process!  The DeGowin Blood      Center is there to help you make your drive as successful as possible. 

Did you know?

• Just one pint of donated blood can help save the lives of several people?
• Every 3 seconds someone needs blood.
• Approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used each day in the U.S.
• One out of every ten people entering the hospital needs blood.
• Shortages of all blood types occur year round, particularly during the summer and winter holidays.
• If all blood donors gave at least twice a year, it would strengthen the      nation's blood supply.
• It doesn't take long to give blood    less than an hour from registration to refreshment.
• People who have been in car accidents and have suffered massive blood loss may require transfusions of 50 pints or more of blood.