Blood Donor Basics
Your health is important to us, and we want to help you maintain it.
OneBlood Says Now is the Time to Donate Blood
(Orlando, Florida – March 3, 2020) OneBlood, the not-for-profit blood center serving Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama says the coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors in the United States during the donation process or from attending blood drives.
OneBlood urges all eligible donors to keep their commitments to donate and encourages all blood drive sponsors to continue hosting blood drives. Blood is needed every day in our communities and it is imperative that a ready blood supply is available at all times. If the coronavirus continues to spread, additional challenges may arise, which could potentially reduce the number of eligible donors.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus to date. The coronavirus poses no known risk to the safety of the nation’s blood supply and does not pose any known risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not recommended any additional action be taken by blood centers, at this time.
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required. To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type visit oneblood.org. All donors receive a wellness checkup of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, including a cholesterol screening, plus a surprise gift.
One of three people will need blood in their lifetime. Blood that is donated today will likely be transfused within two to three days. The turn-around is that fast, the need is constant.
