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The Story | The Program | Program Details | FAQ | Donor Benefits | Access My Account

What is the point system?

Each donation earns you points that over time can be redeemed for items at The Blood Center's Online Rewards Store. To earn points faster, look for special double point days, when each donation earns double the points listed below (Not applicable for deferral points).

Each blood donation, 250 pts
Each ALYX donation, 500 pts (2 units of red blood cells are removed)
Each platelet donation, 250 pts
Each double platelet donation, 500 pts
Attempt to donate, but deferred, 100 pts (given once per deferral period)
Increasing level status, 100 pts (ex. Level 1 partner becomes Level 2 partner by donating one extra time in a calendar year.)

What is the Life is in Your Hands program?

It is a partnership between you and The Blood Center of Central Texas committed to saving lives through quarterly blood donation.

When did The Blood Center begin the Life is in Your Hands program?

The program kicked off September 1, 2006. The first cycle lasts 4 months and ends December 31, 2006. From that point forward, the Life is in Your Hands program will be based on a calendar year.

How does the Hands of the Donor program work?

The Blood Center has an automatic enrollment system for our Hands of the Donor Program. Through our HOD Program you earn points with every donation and can redeem your points for merchandise. The more times you donate, the more points you accrue and the greater the selection of merchandise. Donors benefits include wellness check, access to online scheduling, access to the Online Rewards Store, monthly eNews subscription and the feeling you get from saving two lives.

Level # of donations per year
Level 1 1 donation/calendar year
Level 2 2 donations/calendar year
Level 3 3 donations/calendar year
Level 4 4 donations/calendar year


What does a Hands of the Donor partner commit to?

  1. Donate once a quarter
    We’re asking you to donate blood once a quarter to save lives. Each blood donation can save up to two lives. Donate four times a year and you can save up to eight lives!
  2. Allow us to contact you
    We would like to occasionally contact you to say thanks and let you know how your donations are saving lives. We’ll even schedule your next appointment.
  3. Spread the word
    Talk to friends, family, and co-workers. Get them involved in saving lives. Nothing is more powerful than hearing first hand from someone who saves lives by donating blood.
How is saving lives in your hands?

Blood saves lives and the demand for it in our community increases as our population grows and ages. The amount of blood our community needs varies constantly due to unpredictable factors. On any day, in any month, in any year, the community blood supply can be depleted in a few hours:
  • by people in car accidents
  • by people receiving chemotherapy
  • by people undergoing surgery
    There is no substitute for blood. It has to come from one person in order to be given to another.

  • If I am unable to donate can I become a Hands of the Donor partner?

    Currently, only blood donors may become a Hands of the Donor partner.

    I don't have a computer. How may I get my health information or blood type?

    You may get your health information or blood type by contacting the Manager at (512) 206-1108 or e-mail your questions to whocandonate@inyourhands.org.

    May I register a friend or relative in the Hands of the Donor Program?

    Donors will need to register personally but part of fulfilling your promises as a Hands of the Donor partner involves encouraging others to donate. Think of the additional lives you may help save!

    I donated yesterday, but my points aren’t showing up in your system.

    It takes about a week for us to enter donation points. If in seven days, your points are not available, please call us and let us know.




    Why are there different benefit levels?

    There are different benefit levels to encourage everyone to give blood at least once a quarter. With more donors committed to giving blood, we will have an ample blood supply all year long for Central Texans in need.

    Level 4 - Donate At Least Once Every Three Months
    It is important to understand that each donation may save as many as two lives. Donating once every three months may save as many as eight lives annually. People’s lives are in your hands when you donate blood.

    Eight Lives Saved
    Each whole blood donation is separated into two components: plasma and red blood cells. Each one of these lifesaving components could go to a different person in need. You could save two lives every quarter, or eight lives a year!

    Level 3 - Donate Once Every Four Months
    Donating once e very four months may save as many as six lives annually. People’s lives are in your hands when you donate blood.

    Six Lives Saved
    Each whole blood donation is separated into two components: plasma and red blood cells. Each one of these lifesaving components could go to a different person in need. You could save two lives every four months, or six lives a year!)

    Level 2 - Donate Once Every Six Months
    Each donation may save as many as two lives. Donating once every six months may save as many as four lives. People’s lives are in your hands when you donate blood.

    Four Lives Saved
    Each whole blood donation is separated into two components: plasma and red blood cells. Each one of these lifesaving components could go to a different person in need. You could save two lives every six months, or four lives a year!

    Level 1 - Donate Once Every 12 Months
    Each donation may save as many as two lives. Donating once every 12 months may save as many as two lives. People’s lives are in your hands when you donate blood.

    Two Lives Saved
    Each whole blood donation is separated into two components: plasma and red blood cells. Each one of these lifesaving components could go to a different person in need. So you could save two lives a year!

    What are the Individual Program Benefits?

    Click here for a full list of benefits.



    How do I get to the Online Rewards Store?

    You may view the items available by following these instructions:

    a. Go to www.inyourhands.org
    b. Click on Personal Donation Info
    c. Enter your log in information
    d. Click on "Online Rewards Store"

    When you are ready to go shopping, or if you want to go right to the store, go to My Handprint, sign-in and follow the links.

    How do I redeem my points for the Online Store if I do not have Web access?

    You may call 512-206-1266.

    What about donations that I’ve made at other blood centers (not affiliated with The Blood Center of Central    Texas)?

    We appreciate your support of other blood centers’ efforts to save lives. If you can provide us with the number of donations that you’ve made, we will keep track of that information. However, you will only receive points for donations that you make with The Blood Center and will be assigned a benefit level based upon the number of those made after signing up as a Hands of the Donor program.

    May I still earn points even though I have been deferred?

    Each donation attempt is worth 100 points so long as we have a record that you tried to donate. If you are deferred, you will receive 100 points just for trying and we will let you know how soon you may return and try again. However, if you come back before the end of your deferral period, you will not receive points for that visit. You will resume earning points for donations or attempted donations once your deferral period is over.

    May I transfer my points to someone else?

    These points are one way that we thank you for saving lives by donating blood. You will not be able to transfer them to another person. We appreciate that you might not wish to use them for yourself and if you so choose, you may credit them to The Blood Center.

    May I give points back?

    Yes. You may credit the points back to The Blood Center of Central Texas. Just go the Online Rewards Store and select that option.

    What about Alyx Double Red Cell (2RBCs) donations?

    One successful Alyx procedure will earn you 500 points and will count as two donations toward determining your benefit level. As you know Alyx donors are deferred for 112 days – double the number of days for a whole blood donation.

    What about Platelet donations?

    Each successful platelet procedure will earn you 250 points and will count as one donation toward determining your benefit level.

    Click here to access your personalized donor account. Please call 512-206-1117 if you have any questions.