Organize a blood drive
Every 80 seconds, someone in Quebec needs blood. By organizing a blood drive, you can help save lives.
Yves, volunteer
Across Québec, countless private and public organizations, businesses and associations, along with school, community and social groups, partner with us to help improve patients’ lives. Héma‑Québec would not be able to accomplish its mission without the support of these essential partnerships, year after year.
Do you want to help organize a blood drive? Great! Read on to find out about the prerequisites and steps of organizing a drive.
Prerequisites for organizing a blood drive
The feasibility of a blood drive depends on the potential number of donors, the capacity of the available space and the ability to meet certain criteria.
- The date of the event must be set with us at least three months ahead of time.
- You must have at least 60 people who are interested in giving blood.
- The space where the drive will be held must be at least 2,500 square feet.
- The location must be easily accessible: to donors and for the delivery of collection materials and equipment
Groups or organizations unable to meet these criteria can choose other ways to contribute to the cause. For example, they can form a team of donors and contact us to reserve time slots for group donations at the nearest donation center, or sponsor a particular week at one or more of our centers.
Where to begin?
The first thing to do if you're interested in organizing a blood drive and meet the above requirements is to contact us contact us to register your interest and let us know where you'd like the blood drive to take place (e.g. city, district). A member of our team will then contact you.
When you organize a blood drive, you have access to the expertise of our staff and volunteers. One of our blood drive advisors will guide you through the entire blood drive process, from planning to execution, and provide you with all the support you need to make your blood drive a success.
Steps to a successful blood drive project
Once you've contacted us, here are the main steps involved in setting up a blood drive :
- Form an organizing committee (two to four people)*.
- Plan an organization, recruitment and promotion strategy.
- Set a specific donation goal.
- Choose an ideal site according to the type of blood drive envisaged (see below for a definition of blood drive types).
- Determine the blood drive date.
- Choose the people who will be responsible for recruiting donors.
- Ensure that the blood drive process runs smoothly.
- Establish a constructive assessment with your team.
*The organizing committees are responsible for blood drive logistics and promotion, and for recruiting blood donors. Each member assumes specific blood drive preparation tasks. Organizing committee members appoint a coordinator. The coordinator oversees the overall organization of the blood drive, and acts as liaison between our advisor and the rest of the organizing committee.
Private mobile blood drives are for donors from your organization only. Our team will come to your workplace. Donors can book an appointment; they’ll be in and out in just an hour.
Public mobile blood drives are for donors from your organization and the general public. Our team will come to the most appropriate location in your area. This type of blood drive can raise the profile of your organization.
A mobile blood drive is for all donors in your area. Our team will come to hold a blood drive that has already been organized by local partners. Your organization will join the network and support the existing partners, thereby encouraging more people to attend.
Our donor centres allow people to donate blood at a time that’s convenient for them and to receive the support of our staff.
Would you like to organize a blood drive?
Would you like to discover other ways of contributing to the mission?