What is the Donor of Distinction Program?
This program honors individual students who make blood donation a personal commitment throughout high school. These students are recognized for their lifesaving efforts at graduation.
How It Works
Students must donate at least four times (grades 9–12) with the Central California Blood Center on campus, blood drive, or at a donor center.
All types of donations count: whole blood, platelets, plasma, and double red blood cells.
Students who attempt to donate but are deferred can still receive a Certificate of Accomplishment.
Recognition
A Red Cord to wear at graduation (or a certificate if cords are not permitted).
A Certificate of Accomplishment for eligible students.
Public recognition of students’ contributions to their community.
Timeline
Eligible students are confirmed by early May.
Cords and certificates are sent to schools by mid-May.
Donor of Distinction FAQs
How many times do I need to donate to earn a Red Cord?
Students need to donate four times between 9th and 12th grade.
Do all donation types count?
Yes. Blood, platelet, plasma, and double red donations all count toward your total.
What happens if I try to donate but get deferred?
Deferred students are still recognized with a Certificate of Accomplishment.
Can I donate at a donor center, or does it have to be at school?
Donations at donor centers count as long as they are with the Central California Blood Center.
What if my school doesn’t allow cords at graduation?
You will still receive a certificate recognizing your contributions.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Schools, teachers, and counselors:
Partner with us to bring blood drives and these recognition programs to your campus.
Students:
Donate early, take part in your school’s drives, and consider organizing a drive during school breaks.
Together, we can create a lasting culture of giving and leadership that changes lives across the Central Valley.
Interested in hosting a drive or joining a program?
Contact Alis Mejia at mmejia@donateblood.org
