1. What is the PhD program?

It is a Life is in your hands program that is focused on acknowledging the life-saving contributions of our apheresis donors.

2. How may I participate in the PhD program?

As a Hands of the Donor partner, you will automatically be enrolled in the PhD program after your fourth apheresis donation within a calendar year. If you are not yet a Hands of the Donor partner, you can become one by visiting one of our donor centers or at a workplace or community blood drive. You can sign up online at www.inyourhands.org or you can complete a registration form when you donate. Platelets may only be donated at The Blood Center's 4300 N. Lamar location.

3. What are the benefits of participating in the PhD program?

As a Hands of the Donor partner, you are eligible to earn points in our High-5 Online Store. Each platelet donation will be worth 250 points and each split platelet donation will be worth 500 points. When you donate platelets for the fourth time during a calendar year, you automatically become a PhD partner.

Also, as a Hands of the Donor partner and PhD partner, your name will be displayed on a special acknowledgement wall. As a platelet donor, you can donate up to 24 times per year. You will have the potential to earn numerous points, so we’ve recently added new items to our store specifically with our PhD program partners' exceptional point potential in mind.

4. Does the "acknowledgement wall" have levels based on performance?

Yes, the "acknowledgement wall" will have five levels based on the blood products donated: 4 donations, 8 donations, 12 donations, 16 donations and a superstar designation of 20 or more. A report will be generated at the end of each quarter, and names will be moved from level to level according to performance.

5. Where my name will be displayed?

Starting in April 2008, on the last day of each quarter, a report will be created and names will be moved from level to level on the acknowledgement wall according to performance. Your name will be displayed at The Blood Center's 4300 N. Lamar location.

6. What if I don't want my name to be displayed?

By participating in the Hands of the Donor program, you have granted The Blood Center of Central Texas permission to use your name in any of The Blood Center's Recognition Programs. These programs are generated with the intention of thanking you and encouraging others to become volunteer donors. Should you wish to not participate in these forms of recognition, you may opt out by calling us or visiting My Handprint at www.inyourhands.org.

7. How many points per donation will I receive?

Each platelet donation will be worth 250 store points and each split platelet donation will be worth 500 store points.

8. Why is there a program for platelets and not one for plasma?

The demand for platelets is higher than the demand for plasma, because platelet donations have a shelf-life of five days whereas plasma donations can be frozen for up to one year.

9. When does the program start?

The PhD program is scheduled to begin January 1, 2008.

10. Do I have to be a Hands of the Donor partner in order to be a PhD partner?

Yes. If you want more information about our Hands of the Donor program or the PhD program, call The Blood Center at (512) 206-1266 or the Apheresis department at (512) 206-1231 or visit our website at www.inyourhands.org.

11. How does this program relate to the Hands of the Donor program?

PhD is a Life is in your hands program and any platelet donation will count toward Level One, Level Two, Level Three or Level Four. 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.