Community Champion Spotlight: Bill Martin

Bill Martin has been a passionate blood drive coordinator for a few years now. As he hosts around five blood drives per year, Bill has plenty of experience and has mastered the science of coordinating them. What advice would Bill give to those interested in hosting a drive or donating blood? And what inspired him to start hosting drives?

Get to know Bill and the science behind hosting a successful blood drive!

Where did you first hear about the possibility of hosting a blood drive?

Unsure, that was 3-4 years ago! I might have raised this service activity within my Quitman Rotary Club. Back then, it was driven by the FUMC Quitman Men’s Club and held at the FUMC. I asked whether FUMC Quitman would allow a blood drive to be held inside the premises. Once that approval was granted, I then contacted Carter BloodCare to align schedules. Laney Wright has been our coordinator since our first drive in May 2023. 

What made you want to host a blood drive? How did you feel before your first drive?

Since I have donated regularly, I have seen the continual need for various blood products, and I know I could help with the inventory. I continue to donate platelets as often as I’m allowed. I had a college friend who died a few years ago while waiting for platelets to be donated. Unfortunately, he died before platelets were available.

You always have some nerves when starting something new. All the prework/setup was completed, and it was just a question of good weather and donors showing up for their appointments. The first drive I hosted yielded 25 units. It was a very successful drive, which pushed us to do more. I continually hone our drives, and we now host five drives per year.

Since that first drive, what have you learned about hosting drives, and what advice would you give to others?

Hosting a drive is about removing conflicts and getting repeat donors.

To remove conflicts, I do not host drives when the local schools are on break. Getting repeat donors is critical. With a low percentage of potential donors donating, I want to keep the donors who are willing to schedule time to donate. My drives are set at least 60 days apart, so that anyone who donated at my last drive can donate at the next drive. Our drives have quite a few repeat donors who help fill up the appointments. I still try to attract new donors through social media posts and lawn signs – yes, lawn signs! I have had a few walk-ins from those low-tech lawn signs.

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about hosting a drive, or about donating blood?

Hosting a drive is easier than you think, especially with Carter BloodCare as a partner. Carter BloodCare has a drive coordinator portal that is easy to navigate and has marketing lists that allow you to create messages to both previous donors and potential donors. Your role initially is to locate a building or parking lot where Carter BloodCare can set up. If you choose a building, Carter BloodCare drives their van loaded with staff and equipment, and they perform the entire setup and teardown. All you need to do is supply 15-20 chairs and 4-5 (3’x8’) tables. If you choose a parking lot, you’ll need to get permission from the lot’s owner. I host my drives from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but I know the duration of the drive is determined by the number of potential donors. Carter BloodCare will provide lawn signs and small and large posters that can be hung in various businesses.

You’ve saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives by hosting blood drives. How does that make you feel, and do you ever think about how important that is?

I feel great that I have engaged our community in providing blood to help others. When you lose someone you knew due to a lack of blood products, you realize that you do have people’s lives in your hands. With blood, these patients have a second chance.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I wish more people would at least try donating blood one time, and that their fears of donating blood would be demystified and realize that Carter BloodCare has an excellent staff.

If you’re interested in hosting a drive, visit our host a drive page.