First-time donors

If you have never donated blood before, the annual Gift-of-Life Marathon really is the place to do it! Not only are first-time donors critical to ensuring an adequate blood supply, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more supportive atmosphere.

From the minute the doors open, the excitement builds as GOLM donors begin to move toward something important: not just blood drive records, but a sense of community that is palpable! And whether we beat our goal each year, first-time donors leave knowing they were part of something important and life-affirming, and they know they did something few get the opportunity to do: actually help save a life.

Each year donors receive a gift bag (while supplies last) filled with valuable and fun gifts from businesses and organizations across Rutland County and Vermont, and often first-time donors receive a special gift.

Eligibility

The vast majority of adult and young-adult Americans are eligible to donate blood – but less than 5 percent donate on a regular basis. Here in Vermont, the number is higher – in Rutland County it’s about three times that figure! Many people think they aren’t eligible because they are too old, too young, too big or too small – but they are often wrong. Blood donors must be healthy, be at least 17 years old in Vermont, and weigh at least 110 pounds. There are some restrictions based on foreign travel, medical conditions and lifestyle, but learning more is just a phone call or click away. If you’ve got questions, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or CLICK HERE .