Stanford, CA – Stanford Blood Center (SBC) announced a spring campaign that pairs lifesaving blood donations with environmental stewardship. During a month that also honors Earth Day and Arbor Day, the #GreenDonor campaign targets both new and returning donors, blending donor rewards and social responsibility.

For every blood donation made in April, SBC will work with Forestmatic to plant a tree, aiding reforestation projects in Uganda and contributing to economic stability in the region. Each donor will receive a unique tree ID to view in an online tree tracker, forging a personal connection to the reforestation efforts and offering a window into the growth of their tree.

In addition, to encourage donors to get outside and enjoy the spring, every April donor will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a Yeti cooler filled with a selection of Yeti products, including sturdy Rambler® mugs, comfortable Hondo Base Camp Chairs, and a half-gallon Rambler water jug, among other eco-friendly prizes, plus a $500 Whole Foods gift card.

"Every pint of blood donated can save up to three lives and, this April, it also gives life to our planet," said Harpreet Sandhu, CEO of Stanford Blood Center. "Our campaign is about embarking on a journey to not only aid those in immediate need of blood transfusions but to give back to the earth that sustains us all."

Stanford Blood Center's commitment to the environment includes adapting its operational policies, shifting to digital donor information packets, phasing out plastic ID cards, and embedding sustainability into the donor loyalty rewards through eco-conscious donor gifts. All these efforts are in line with reducing the organization's carbon footprint.

"As we celebrate life and nature's gifts, we are reminded that blood donations are critical in sustaining our healthcare system, but that healthcare is a larger conversation about our collective well-being," Sandhu said. "Our community's generosity ensures that lifesaving blood is always available for those in need, and our April initiative enables us to thank our donors in a more environmentally conscious way."

For additional details about the April campaign, visit stanfordbloodcenter.org/greendonor.

Appointments can be made online at sbcdonor.org, via the SBC app, or by calling 888-723- 7831 or texting to 999-777.Donors should be in good health with no cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms. Be sure to eat well prior to donation, drink fluids, and bring a photo ID. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (or 16 with a parent or guardian’s consent). Eligibility information can be found at stanfordbloodcenter.org/eligibility or by calling 888-723-7831.

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Hi-resolution photos are available here. 

About Stanford Blood Center

Stanford Blood Center (SBC) is an independent, community blood center that has sustained the local healthcare system since its creation by Stanford University School of Medicine in 1978. With an enduring commitment to providing blood products and testing services to Bay Area hospitals, SBC also fosters a sustainable connection between donors, medical advancements, and the global community through research and innovation. Learn more at stanfordbloodcenter.org.