Giving Back to Donors: The Blood Connection’s Support Programs
Approximately 30,000 units of blood are needed in the U.S. each year. Without a steady blood supply, those suffering from cancer, leukemia, childbirth complications, and many other medical conditions will lack the most essential element of survival.
At The Blood Connection, we recognize that maintaining a steady national blood supply is only possible because of the generosity of blood donors. Whether you’ve given once or are a regular donor, you’ve made a lasting difference — and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
While many of our donors give and expect nothing in return, we are dedicated to showing our support and appreciation for them through various programs and rewards.
Our Commitment to Our Donors
When you become a donor at The Blood Connection, you join a community committed to saving and changing lives. You’re putting others before yourself; we want you to know that doesn’t go unnoticed. In addition to our various rewards, promotions, and programs, we’re proud to offer our Donor Assistance Program.
Through this program, we offer donors in need of transfusions credits based on the number of times they donated within the year. We offer $25 for every whole blood donation and $50 for donations other than whole blood. So, if you donate three times throughout the year, you will be eligible for up to $75 toward transfusions. If you only require $25 worth of transfusions, you will only receive that amount.
This program also includes group and family initiatives. If a group, company, or organization member needs transfusions, our Group Assistance Program allows the group to earn credits based on donations given at a blood drive they host. Our Family/Friend Assistance Program enables your consistent contributions to help your family and friends in the future. This program covers the donor, immediate family, and friends.
To qualify for the Donor Assistance Program, you must submit hospital records showing the patient’s name, the date of use, and the type of each transfusion. The donation must be given at The Blood Connection to receive credits for donating.
Donor Rewards
TBC Rewards allows us to show our appreciation for our donors in a very tangible way. You’ll receive reward points every time you donate. Your points can then be redeemed for eGift cards of your choice. We currently have over 200 vendors to choose from. As a donor, your rewards can be seen through the Donor Portal or in the TBC NOW app. Just remember, reward points and eGift cards are non-transferable.
Beyond reward points, the Donor Portal gives you easy access to your blood type, donation eligibility data, mini-physical results, and more. The portal allows you to track your donor status so you can walk into each donation feeling confident and well-informed. But the Donor Portal isn’t just online — you can also view it on the TBC NOW app. With multiple access methods, using your portal has never been easier. When you download our app, you can find a drive, order eGift cards, and see your health screening results.
How To Get Involved
To become a blood donor, we ask that you meet a few simple qualifications. To donate whole blood, you must be in good health, at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. 16- and 17-year-olds must have parental consent to donate. Not sure if you’re eligible? Check out our Eligibility Requirements.
If you’re eligible to donate, you can start the donation process by locating a Blood Connection donation site near you, whether that be a Bloodmobile or one of our local donation centers. Making an appointment online is preferred but not required. Before you come in to donate, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. This will help the donation process go smoothly. You can also complete the TBC Express Questionnaire before you arrive to cut your wait time in half.
Make sure to bring your photo ID when you show up to donate. We will connect you with the correct account and check to see if you’ve completed your TBC Express Questionnaire.
Before each donation, you’ll complete a mini-physical to ensure you’re healthy enough to give blood. Once you’re cleared, you can sit back, relax, and donate. The actual donation only takes about 10 minutes. Then, once your donation is complete, you’ll be offered refreshments and monitored to ensure you are safe to leave.
We couldn’t do what we do without generous donors like you, so we want to do everything we can to give you the support and recognition you deserve. If you want to become a first-time donor, schedule an appointment online or visit one of our donations today.
