REMEMBER TO EAT WITHIN FOUR HOURS BEFORE DONATION

You will be asked to show positive identification

Donors receive a free Medic T-shirt, a cholesterol level evaluation and Medic's Family Blood Coverage

• You will read a short brochure explaining who is at risk for the AIDS virus and other blood-borne diseases.
  
  

• If you believe you are not at risk for transmitting diseases, you may proceed with screening, which will take about 20 minutes.
  
  

• During screening, you will be asked questions concerning your lifestyle and health history. All blood centers are required to obtain this information to protect the safety of the blood supply.
  
  

• You also will be given a "mini-physical" -- readings of your blood pressure, iron level and temperature.
  
  

• When you are ready to donate, you'll notice that the needle is part of an individual, sterilized unit and touches no one except you. So, it is impossible to contract any diseases while donating.
  
  

• Donation usually takes about nine minutes. After you are finished, you should press on the needle stick site and hold your arm in the air for about three minutes.