The need for blood is constant, and although the Red Cross has donor centers across the Southern Region to help collect blood on a daily basis, regular blood drives at sponsor organizations are still the most effective way of recruiting donors. Blood drives are especially needed around holidays and during the summer when inventories dip to critically low levels.

A blood drive needs a sponsor. A sponsor is an organization that can provide the necessary physical space to accommodate a bloodmobile as well as a coordinator to educate, motivate, recruit donors and work with the local Red Cross representative. A sponsor group can be a school, religious organization, business or community group. Approximately 80 percent of the blood collected by the Red Cross is donated during blood drives.

Sponsoring a blood drive is a simple, yet effective, way to serve your community. It allows members of your organization to make a difference in the life of someone in need of a blood transfusion right in the convenience of their office, school, church or community.

If you or your organization is interested in becoming a blood drive sponsor, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or e-mail russellta@usa.redcross.org for more information.

What a bloodmobile sponsor does:

• Offers a suitable location
• Helps recruit donors from their group or community
• Schedules donors for their donation appointment
• Schedules volunteers to greet donors and serve refreshments if needed

What the American Red Cross does:

A Red Cross representative will work with you to plan, organize and publicize your blood drive.

• Help determine how many donors are needed and provide trained staff for the drive
• Confidentially screen donors and collect blood donations

Adopt a donor center:

If your group is small and does not have a location large enough to host a blood drive, you can sponsor a day at one of our donor centers. For more information, call us at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or e-mail russellta@usa.redcross.org.