You can donate for the community, for yourself prior to surgery when prescribed or for a specific family member or friend. Blood is collected at thousands of blood drives held each year at schools, businesses, churches and civic organizations, as well as at four VBS donor centers in Richmond. VBS is funded primarily through a processing fee charged for each unit of blood or blood component. This fee covers the cost of collection, testing, storing and distribution. It becomes part of a patient's hospital bill and is usually covered by medical insurance.
Patients depend on dedicated donors who give regularly.
VBS invites you to join Friends 4 Life, a club whose members recognize the importance of their contribution to the community by committing to donate blood four times a year. Most adults are eligible to give blood. Get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of fluids in the 24 hours before you donate. Don't forget to eat a good meal on the day you donate. Avoid caffeine about two hours before giving, since it can increase your pulse rate.