Blood Donor Basics
Your health is important to us, and we want to help you maintain it.
Urgent Need for Blood Donations Before Hurricane Dorian Arrives
(Orlando, Florida, August 30, 2019) There is an urgent call for additional blood donations BEFORE Hurricane Dorian arrives. While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood as well as platelet donations.
OneBlood encourages all eligible donors to make blood donation part of their storm preparations and visit a donor center or Big Red Bus as soon as possible.
Hurricanes can disrupt the blood supply for several days. The most critical time for blood donations is prior to any storm in order to sustain the blood supply during and immediately after the event.
KNOWN CLOSURES:
As we prepare for Hurricane Dorian, please be advised of the following closures. Please check back for updated information (last updated at 8/30/19 at 5:00 pm):
- Brevard County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Wednesday
- Broward County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Tuesday
- Flagler County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Wednesday
- Indian River County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Wednesday
- Martin County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Wednesday
- Palm Beach County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Wednesday
- St. Johns County: The St. Augustine donor center will be closed through Wednesday
- St. Lucie County: The St. Augustine donor center will be closed through Wednesday
- Volusia County: All donor centers and mobile drives will be closed through Wednesday
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.
