Six Steps to Success

Sponsoring a blood drive requires very little effort on behalf of the sponsor group. The Blood Center provides recruitment and publicity materials, necessary refreshments and a Mobile Marketing Specialist who guides your drive from start to finish. Sponsoring a blood drive not only saves lives, but it also makes a highly visible statement of an organization’s commitment to the well being of the residents of Iowa.

1. Find your potential – Start by finding out how many people in your group are interested in donating blood.
2. Set a goal, a site and a date – The Blood Center Mobile Marketing Specialist will work with you to select an available date and time that is convenient for your group and a site that can accommodate equipment, staff and donor needs.
3. Recruit donors and promote the drive – Utilize publicity materials provided by The Blood Center. Ask donors to make an appointment and remind them of their time.
4. Oversee Drive – Be available (or have a designee available) on the day of the drive to guide The Blood Center Collection Staff during setup and to answer questions.
5. Recognize Donors – Keep donors coming back by thanking them for their gift of life and reminding them that they will be eligible to donate again in 56 days!

6 WEEKS BEFORE DRIVE
____Confirm date, time and location
____Site visit
____Order publicity materials

4 WEEKS BEFORE DRIVE
____Review confirmation sheet
____Distribute publicity materials

3 WEEKS BEFORE DRIVE
____Begin donor recruitment
____Start Volunteer calling
____Deliver church bulletins, press release and posters

1 WEEK BEFORE DRIVE
____Fill in master schedule
____Reconfirm site
____Verify site heating and cooling
____Check-in with Marketing Specialist

3-4 DAYS BEFORE DRIVE
____Mail reminder cards
____Remind volunteers of arrival time and duties

2 DAYS BEFORE DRIVE
____Contact Marketing Specialist to discuss the appointment breakdown

DAY OF DRIVE
____Verify that the site is cleared, ready and unlocked
____Verify availability of tables and chairs
____Post "Blood Drive Today" signs
____Master schedule available at site
____Call no-show donors

AFTER THE DRIVE
____Contact Marketing Specialist for results
____Submit "Thank-you Press Release"
____Complete evaluation
____Set next blood drive date!