What a wonderful start to the new year! Was it the cold brisk winds and the angry grey skies on January 19 that led the golfers and sailors off course to the Big Red Bus? The signs placed about the marina led many new donors to the bus as they entered the gates. The 29 units of blood donated by 33 donors (listed below) will be used within 3 days.
Generally, people age 16 or older and who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required. To learn more about 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, iron count, a cholesterol screening, plus a surprise gift. One of three people will need blood in their lifetime. Houseguests are welcome to visit the bus! As long as they qualify by age, weight, and have a photo ID, they are eligible to visit the bus!
Each donation can save up to three lives, so that means 87 patients could benefit from the lifesaving efforts of the January 19 donors at Burnt Store Marina. Thanks to all our donors!
ONEBLOOD is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 300 hospital partners and their patients throughout Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood as well as Platelet donations.
WHAT IS BLOOD?
There is no substitute for blood, and it cannot be manufactured in a lab. The only source for patients in need of a transfusion is volunteer blood donations. We need YOU TO DONATE!
Our next blood donation day is Monday, March 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make your appointment online, or plan to walk-in. During peak season, I recommend making an appointment, especially for morning time slots. We look forward to seeing many new donors, plus our seasoned donors!
Be sure to eat before you donate, and drink lots of fluids before and after. We all need to stay hydrated in Florida, no matter what the activity or time of year. Bring your photo ID. Each successful donor will receive all three gifts – $20 eGift card, One Blood umbrella, and a Chick- fil -A card for a free chicken sandwich.
The Big Red Bus is located in the Cass Cay/Tiki Hut/Trading Post parking lot. To schedule an appointment, log on to OneBlood.org, establish a username and password, then follow directions to make an appointment. Have any questions, contact Ann Singer at 319-290-5955 or Jo Bucci at 941-445-8260
