Central Florida Red Crossers rolled up a sleeve and gave blood with OneBlood on Red Cross Giving Day.
As the coronavirus pandemic has grown, the Red Cross and blood centers across the country have faced an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. With the knowledge that volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need, we rolled up our own sleeves to give and invited neighbors to do the same.
On Wednesday, March 25, we marked national Red Cross Giving Day in a lifesaving way. Working with
local blood center OneBlood, our campuses in Orlando and St. Petersburg hosted the Big Red Bus to support the critical need for blood donations during the current health crisis.
Although the Red Cross does not collect blood in Central Florida, the organization remains the single largest supplier of blood and blood products in the country. Together, we must ensure a readily available blood supply for patients who are counting on us.
“We’re pleased to partner with OneBlood to deliver the call for blood donations,” said Eric Corliss, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Central Florida. “As the Red Cross, we know first-hand that blood drives are critical to public health preparedness during times of uncertainty.”
The two bloodmobile drives brought in 48 donors which will provide lifesaving blood to 144 patients. Prior to the March 25 drives, 22 additional Red Crossers donated blood with local centers across Central Florida.
“We value our partnership with the American Red Cross Central Florida and appreciate their efforts to help ensure a ready blood supply at all times,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations at OneBlood.
As experts have emphasized, there is no certain end date in this fight against coronavirus and the Red Cross and blood centers across the country need the help of blood donors and blood drive hosts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for weeks to come. People who are healthy and feeling well, are encouraged to make an appointment now to donate in the days and weeks ahead. Find an accredited blood center in your area.