Critical need for blood donations remains as demand for COVID-19 convalescent plasma goes down
OneBlood is still testing every blood donation for COVID-19 antibodies to use for convalescent plasma treatment, but with cases and hospitalizations going down, they are exceeding demand for convalescent plasma.
Tropical Storm Eta closes blood banks in parts of Florida, donations still needed
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Due to Tropical Storm Eta, previously a hurricane, many nonprofit blood banks in Florida and along the southeastern U.S. will suspect operations. OneBlood is encouraging donors in those areas to make a donation that will help areas impacted by the storm. | CDC gives guidance on Thanksgiving | Astronauts prepare for Saturday launch]โThe need for blood is now and it is ongoing. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to indefinitely disrupt blood collections and the impact from the hurricane is further compounding the situation. To find a OneBlood location or Big Red Bus blood drive and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.oneblood.org.
Demand for plasma, blood donations remains high as pandemic rages
Orange Countyโs EMS Medical Director Dr. Christian Zuver spoke about his experience donating plasma after he recovered from COVID-19. โMany of the places where you would normally see blood drives โ like high schools, college campuses and companies โ are not at a point where they can host regular blood drives,โ officials said. The need for blood and plasma is more urgent than it has ever been in recent history. โWe live in a caring community and donating convalescent plasma is just one of those ways we can continue to help each other,โ added Zuver. To donate convalescent plasma or blood, officials ask that you make an online appointment at OneBlood.org.
Florida woman who lost husband to coronavirus encourages survivors to donate plasma
274 on a waiting list for convalescent plasma treatment. With the surge of cases in Florida, OneBlood said there is a huge demand for convalescent plasma, with requests they just cant meet right now. Thats why they are encouraging anyone who has recovered from the virus to donate plasma. OneBlood says one convalescent plasma donation can help up to 3 patients and donations can go towards a specific patient. For more information on how to donate convalescent plasma, click here.
OneBlood to open new donor center in Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. โ OneBlood announced Tuesday that a new donor center would be opening in the Altamonte Springs Friday. The new location will open at 600 E Altamonte Dr., Suite 1100 and will operate from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on opening day. Donors will be asked to provide their cell phone number so they can wait in their car or outside the bloodmobile. They will be called when it is their turn to come aboard the bus to donate blood. Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood, according to a news release.