During this audioconference, there will be a brief overview of the incidence of adverse events in the setting of blood donation and the donor criteria established to minimize risk. We will then review the evidence demonstrating an increased risk of vasovagal reactions in young donors and the impact of interventions recently implemented by blood collection facilities to reduce reaction rates in this high risk group. The presentation will broaden to review the physiology of the whole blood donation process. Other risks to donors including needle related injuries and iron deficiency will be considered. Education to empower the donor to reduce donation risk through preventing acute and delayed adverse events will be discussed.