Benefit of Hosting A College Blood Drive

1. How college students can help save lives

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood or platelets. Whole blood, plasma and platelets cannot be manufactured, so the Red Cross depends on the generosity of volunteers to sustain the blood supply and help save lives. College students can help save lives and meet local blood supply needs by hosting a blood drive.

2. How students can develop in-demand leadership and communication skills

As blood program leaders, students will develop valuable leadership and communication skills. There are multiple leadership and skill-building roles available when hosting a blood drive, making them an ideal community service project for fraternities, sororities or other student organizations. Students will collaborate with their college and the local community, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.

3. Boost your resume

Hosting a blood drive is also a great way for all students to develop resume-boosting skills. Employers and graduate schools value volunteer experience. Listing your experience hosting a blood drive at your college will make your resume and LinkedIn profile shine. Among the skills you’ll develop are:

• Applying classroom skills to real-world situations
• Coordinating, planning, and managing a large-scale event
• Creating a marketing plan
• Expanding your knowledge of local and national blood needs
• Collaborating with a national non-profit organization

Download the High School and College Student Guide for Sharing Your Biomedical Services Impact for more details on sharing your lifesaving work on your resume, college and job applications.

How do I host a blood program at my college or university?

When hosting an annual blood program at your college, you’ll have support from the Red Cross to ensure a safe and successful event. The Red Cross will provide all equipment and supplies necessary, including snack and drinks, as well as trained staff that will screen donors and collect donations.

The Red Cross will also give assistance in planning and organizing the blood drive. We’ll also help with donor recruitment and provide an online scheduling tool for easy donor scheduling.

As a blood program leader, you’ll provide a location for the blood drive, volunteers to help schedule donors and donors.

Are you ready to host a blood drive at your college?