South Bend Medical Foundation (SBMF) Donor Terms
Effective Date: March 1, 2026
Applies To: Blood donation appointments and events hosted or coordinated by South Bend Medical Foundation (“SBMF,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), including fixed sites and mobile/community drives.
Note: These Donor Terms supplement SBMF’s Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If there is a conflict, these Donor Terms control donation-related matters. Clinical handling of Protected Health Information (PHI) is governed by SBMF’s HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
1) Eligibility & Identification
- Eligibility: You agree to answer eligibility questions truthfully and to comply with all deferral rules, waiting periods, and medical screening requirements in effect at the time of donation.
- Identification: You must present valid identification (e.g., government-issued ID or other approved ID) at check-in so we can verify your identity and prior donation history.
- Accuracy: You confirm that all information you provide (health history, medication use, recent travel, etc.) is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.
2) Health Screening, Consent & Right to Decline
- Pre-donation screening: Before each donation, our staff will review your eligibility, take vital signs, and may perform rapid tests (e.g., hemoglobin/hematocrit).
- Informed consent: You will receive information about the donation process, potential risks, and aftercare. By proceeding, you consent to the collection, testing, and use of your blood and samples as described here and in SBMF’s notices.
- Right to decline: SBMF may decline, postpone, or stop a donation at any time if safety or regulatory concerns arise (e.g., adverse reaction, ineligibility, equipment, or supply issues).
3) Testing, Use of Donations & Disposition
- Testing: All donations are tested per applicable standards for infectious disease markers and quality/safety.
- Use of donation: Eligible components may be separated and distributed to hospitals/clinics for patient care.
- Non-conforming units: If a unit does not meet criteria for transfusion, SBMF may discard it or use it for validated quality control or approved research/training (with identifying information protected as required).
- Notification: If testing yields results that require notification or deferral, we will follow our established notification processes.
4) Adverse Reactions & After-Care
- Possible reactions: Dizziness, bruising, pain, fatigue, or fainting may occur; very rarely, more serious reactions happen.
- Your responsibilities: Follow post-donation instructions (hydration, food, activity limits) and alert staff immediately if you feel unwell while on site. After leaving, if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention and notify SBMF.
- Emergency: Call 911 for any medical emergency.
5) Scheduling, Cancellations & No-Shows
- Scheduling: Appointments help us plan staff and supplies; walk-ins may be accepted as capacity permits.
- Cancellations: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so as early as possible so we can reassign your slot.
- No-shows: Repeated no-shows may limit your ability to book peak-time appointments.
6) Donor Conduct & Safety Expectations
- Professional conduct: SBMF strives to maintain a respectful, safe environment. We may refuse service or ask someone to leave for disruptive, abusive, threatening, or unsafe behavior.
- Prohibited items: Weapons, illegal substances, and hazardous materials are not permitted at our sites or events.
- Infection prevention: Follow posted hygiene and infection-control guidance.
7) Communications, SMS & Email
- Operational messages: By providing contact information, you consent to receiving appointment confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups by email, phone, and/or SMS.
- Marketing messages: With your opt-in, you may receive educational or promotional communications (e.g., drives, events, incentives). You can opt out at any time (email “unsubscribe” links, reply STOP to texts). Message/data rates may apply.
8) Incentives, Promotions & Loyalty Programs
- Discretionary: Donor incentives (e.g., apparel, e-gift cards, refreshments, drawings) are promotional and not a sale of blood or services. Availability may vary by site, date, or sponsor and may be limited in quantity.
- Substitutions: SBMF may substitute an item of comparable value or provide an alternative (e.g., voucher, rain check) at our discretion if inventory runs out or logistics change.
- Eligibility: Some promotions may have eligibility limits (age, frequency of donation, first-time donor, specific blood type, sponsor affiliation). See posted terms at the drive/event.
- Taxes: You are responsible for any applicable taxes associated with incentive items.
9) Photography, Media & Testimonials (Optional Consent)
- Media: SBMF may capture photos or video at public events for awareness and educational purposes.
- Consent: We will seek your consent before using your identifiable image or testimonial in marketing materials. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform staff.
10) Privacy & Data Protection
- Website data: Website interactions are governed by SBMF’s Website Privacy Policy.
- Third-party services: If we use third-party tools for scheduling, reminders, or incentives, your information may be processed by those providers consistent with their privacy policies and our agreements.
11) Minors & Legal Capacity
- Minimum age: Donation age requirements follow applicable rules; some donations may require parent/guardian consent for minors.
- Authority to agree: If you schedule or donate, you represent that you have the legal authority to enter these Donor Terms (or have guardian consent if required).
12) Property & Mobile Drive Venues
- Host sites: Many drives occur at schools, workplaces, or community venues. Their house rules (parking, security, conduct) apply in addition to these Donor Terms.
- Lost property: SBMF is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please keep personal belongings with you.
13) Deferrals & Reinstatements
- Temporary or permanent deferral: Based on health history, lab results, travel, medications, or regulatory guidance, you may be deferred from donating temporarily or permanently.
- Reinstatement: If you believe a deferral no longer applies, contact SBMF for re-evaluation per current standards.
14) Product Recalls & Lookbacks
- Quality actions: If quality or safety concerns arise after a donation, SBMF may initiate recalls, quarantines, or “lookback” investigations as required. We may contact you for additional information or testing.
15) Disclaimers, Limitation of Liability & Indemnity
- No guarantees: While SBMF strives for a safe, comfortable donation experience, we cannot guarantee that adverse events will not occur.
- Limitation: To the maximum extent permitted by law, SBMF and its officers, directors, employees, and agents are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to your participation in donation activities.
- Cap: In all cases, SBMF’s total liability will not exceed US $100 or, if greater, the amount you paid (if any) in connection with the donation event.
- Indemnity: You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless SBMF from claims arising out of your breach of these terms or unsafe conduct at our sites or events.
These provisions are intended to be consistent with the SBMF Website Terms of Use. If your general Terms use a different liability cap or venue, we can align this section accordingly.
16) Changes, Postponements & Force Majeure
- Event changes: SBMF may modify or cancel a drive or event due to staffing, supply, venue availability, weather, or other operational/safety concerns.
- Force majeure: SBMF is not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control (e.g., severe weather, power outages, public health emergencies).
17) Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
- Law: These Donor Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to conflict of law rules.
- Venue / arbitration: Disputes will follow the process set in the SBMF Terms of Use (e.g., informal resolution period; venue in St. Joseph County, Indiana; and optional binding arbitration if you elect to include it in the Terms of Use). We’ll align this section exactly with your chosen approach.
18) How to Contact SBMF
South Bend Medical Foundation
Attn: Donor Relations / Compliance
Address: 3355 Douglas Road, South Bend, IN 46635
Phone: 574-234-4176
Email: marketing@sbmf.org
19) Updates to These Donor Terms
SBMF may update these Donor Terms from time to time. The Effective Date above will reflect the latest revision. Continued participation in SBMF donation activities after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.