Donation day
Before Donating
A little prep makes the whole thing faster, easier, and a lot more comfortable.
Hydrate
Drink an extra 16 oz of water the day of your donation.
Clothing
Wear something comfortable with sleeves that roll up above the elbow.
Iron level
Eat iron-rich food in the weeks leading up to your donation to maintain a healthy iron level.
Medications
Bring a list of the medications you take in case any affect your eligibility.
Bring your ID
Your donor card, license, or two other forms of identification.
RapidPass
Fill out RapidPass online the morning of your donation to cut your wait time.
Relax
It's about ten minutes of actual donation. Eat the snacks afterward — you earned them.
Looking for iron-rich food ideas? The Red Cross keeps a list.