The donation process is not a difficult one, and I encourage everyone who can donate to try and donate at some point. The process can take up to an hour all together, but for most people it only takes 8-10 minutes to actually donate blood. The first steps are to be hydrated, wear something comfortable, maintain a healthy level of iron and also bring a list of your medications and your identification card. The next step of the donation process is registration, which consists of going over the history of your health and having a mini physical. After this, certain candidates are allowed to donate and they receive a refreshment. After a person donates, it is best to hydrate and avoid heavy lifting for the rest of the day.
When someone donates blood, their blood can be used to save three adults or eight babies. Also, any senior students that have donated a total of three times during their high school career receives a Hero Cord to wear around their neck at graduation. This is an extra incentive Burton provides to encourage their senior students to donate. The purpose of donating is to help others and to give blood to ones who truly need it. If you did not get to donate that day, I recommend you go to their website http://www.redcrossblood.org/ and find out their next location to schedule an appointment.