Steps to Success

Start planning your blood drive today

Inova simplifies the process for your business, civic or community group to host a blood drive. Our dedicated team will support you every step of the way to ensure a successful event.

Blood drives are scheduled three months to one year in advance and can be held on any day of the week. They typically last three to six hours. Inova Blood Donor Services supports blood drive sponsors with skilled recruiting, planning and promotional materials. Blood donors can expect a well-trained, caring, professional blood collection team, modern and comfortable donation equipment and delicious refreshments provided by Inova Blood Donor Services.

Ready to host a blood drive?

To start planning a blood drive for your organization, start here or call 1-866-256-6372 to be directed to your Account Manager.  

Start Here
196-min

Step One: Harness Your Potential and Build Momentum!

  • Gather potential donors
  • Circulate a Donor Commitment Form
  • Follow-up with your assigned Account Manager

Step Two: Create the Drive

  • Select date and time
  • Secure an appropriate venue (bloodmobile or inside set-up) in your community
  • Set a goal for the blood drive (your Account Manager can help with this!)

Step Three: Build the Drive

  • Gather other volunteers to assist with donor recruitment efforts
  • Work with your assigned Account Manager on a strategy to educate and motivate donors
  • Work on logistics (equipment, volunteers and other resources needed to run the drive)

Step Four: Recruit and Schedule Your Donors

  • Post promotional materials in prominent areas throughout the neighborhood and community to advertise your upcoming blood drive
  • Set up your blood drive online using our online tool
  • Encourage donors to schedule appointments in person, online, by email or on marketing materials

Step Five: Final Details

  • Confirm donor appointments
  • Confirm volunteer assignments, duties and posts
  • Verify the status of the venue’s accommodations for donors, staff and equipment
  • Check-in with your Account Manager for any last minute details

Step Six: The Big Day!

  • Designate someone (yourself or a volunteer) to meet with the mobile operations team to set-up equipment and displays before the event start time
  • Designate volunteers to staff the registration table for the duration of the blood drive
  • Contact donors who miss their appointments

Wrap up

Blood recipients rarely get the chance to thank the people who have given them the gift of life.  Let donors know they are appreciated by thanking them on behalf of those who will be helped by their donation.

  • Recognize and thank donors for their generous donation
  • Remind donors that they can donate whole blood in 56 days. double red cells in 112 days and platelets in 14 days
  • Take photos during the blood drive of your donors and share them on social media and tag Inova Blood Donor Services (Facebook: @InovaBlood Donor, Instagram: @InovaBlood ), publish them in your organization’s newsletter or post them on a bulletin boards
  • Confirm or schedule the next blood drive