What does ABCs of Commitment mean?
ABC stands for automated blood collection, an important means of meeting patient needs throughout our region. Automated donations maximize the benefit of your donation and allow you to help save more lives!

 

How is it different than Platelet Preferred?
The ABCs of Commitment is a Commit for Life program and is very similar to Platelet Preferred.  However, it recognizes the life-saving efforts of all donors who choose to give automated donations, not just platelets.  Many of the benefits are the same, and there also are some new ones.

 

What are the benefits of the ABCs of Commitment?
Automated donations maximize the benefit of your donation and allow you to help save more lives by allowing us to collect the components our patients need.  Additionally, ABC donors who have achieved four automated credits will receive an ABC designation added to their Commit for Life level, recognition at their Neighborhood Donor Center, special recognition at the annual “A Gathering of Heroes” event and a personalized letter from our CEO thanking them for their commitment to saving lives.  Automated donors also receive additional Commit for Life store points for their donations.

 

What’s an automated donation?
Automated donations follow process that allows you to selectively donate only the blood components that are needed most, with the remaining blood being returned to you.  The entire process uses a sterile, closed system and is completely safe.  Automated donations also help stabilize the regional blood inventory, especially in times when blood donations are needed most.

 

What types of automated donations are there?
Automated donations include double red cells, platelets, plasma and a combination of any or all of these components.  The type of automated donations right for you is determined by height, weight, blood type and time available.
Donors with blood types O and B typically are the best for double red cell donations.  Donors with blood type A are best for platelet donations. These are the types most in demand from hospitals served by The Blood Center and the types most difficult to provide in adequate quantities.

 

How much time does it take?
Automated donations take a little longer than whole blood donations.  Depending on the type of automated components you are giving, the donation process is a little over an hour.

Are there any special requirements for donating by automation?
Yes. The weight and height requirements are different for both men and women.  Check with a Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center staff member to learn more.

 

How many points per donation would I receive?
Each platelet donation will be worth 150 store points, and each split platelet donation will be worth 200 store points.  Double red cell and combination donations are worth 200 store points. An automated combination of red cells, platelets and plasma is worth 250 store points.

 

Do I have to be a Commit for Life member in order to be an ABCs of Commitment member?
Yes. If you want more information about Commit for Life, visit www.giveblood.org or call 1(888) 482-5663.
 How does this program relate to the Commit for Life program?

The ABCs of Commitment is a Commit for Life program, and any automated donation will count toward the bronze, silver and gold benefit levels. In fact, for a platelet donation you will earn one credit toward your benefit level, and for a split platelet donation you will earn two.

 

IMPORTANT:
If you cannot take advantage of the ABCs of Commitment, we encourage you to give whole blood every eight weeks. Whole blood donations are very important and allow you to help save up to three lives each time you give.
To locate the nearest automated donation site, call our customer service lines at (713) 791-6219 or (713) 791-6373 no more than three days before you plan to donate.