Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
OneBlood was established as a not-for-profit organization in 2012. Currently, it distributes more than 1.4 million blood products annually. They partner with more than 250 hospitals across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas to provide the needed blood to save lives and is regulated by the FDA.
The organization has nearly 90 donor centers, 200 red bloodmobile buses, 2500 employees and operates 24/7, just like hospitals. In addition to the local Clermont branch location at Oakley Seaver Plaza in Clermont, two Big Red Buses are ready to go out every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Blood donors can donate whole blood every 56 days, double red blood cells every 112 days and platelets every 7 days. All blood types are needed. Whole blood and double red blood cell donations can be processed on their Big Red Bus. A Platelet donation is a longer procedure and is usually done at the branch location. A whole blood donation is separated to red blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells go directly to help trauma victims. Platelets go to support cancer patients. Plasma goes to help burn victims. Donating blood can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Research shows that blood donors are 88% less likely to have a heart attack.
Wendy Stone, the Account Representative for OneBlood in South Lake County, schedules the Big Red Bus Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola and Montverde. The Florida native has lived in Montverde for over 20 years. She has a BA and an MBA from the University of Central Florida. She beat breast cancer in 2008 and has donated over six gallons of blood so far since she joined OneBlood in August of 2019.
Stone notes, “You and your organization can help us save lives! A Big Red Buse can set up anywhere there are people willing to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life. We work with neighborhood communities, schools, shopping centers, businesses, religious organizations and many more to get the blood our hospitals so desperately need. We could not meet the blood needs of our community without these valued partners! If you or anyone wants to host a blood drive, you can fill out the information at this link https://www.oneblood.org/host-a-blood-drive/ and we will work to get them scheduled”.
Stone adds, “You can donate blood even if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. If you have a tattoo or a body piercing from a licensed artist and it’s healed, you are eligible to donate blood. Last summer, the FDA lifted the restriction on military service members and their dependents serving overseas. Many cancer survivors can donate blood too! I ask the South Lake community to make donating blood a habit. We see tremendous community response after mass casualty events, like the Pulse Nightclub shooting, but the need for blood never stops. Every day someone gets into a car accident. Every day premature babies are born. Every day cancer patients need platelet infusions. Be a hero and donate blood every two months. You are literally saving lives.”
Following CDC guidelines, all donors must wear masks while on the Big Red Bus, regardless of their vaccination status. The staff take temperature checks before they begin the registration process. The donor services team follows safety and hygiene protocols while collecting and storing blood. It takes six parking spaces to park the Big Red Bus! It has a generator to keep the donors and staff comfortable while donating. The BIG RED BUS has anywhere from 4 to 6 donation beds, as well as room for registration and follow-up.
Clermont OneBlood donor service staff has a combined total of 55 years of experience. All donor service team members go through a six-week training program on OneBlood procedures, techniques and protocols for collecting and storing blood. Stone adds, “Our couriers come out every day to take the collected blood to our lab in Orlando, where it is tested, processed and shipped to our hospitals based on need. Most blood is transfused into a patient within 2 to 3 days.”
Through October 31, all lifesaving donors will receive a $20 e-gift card redeemable at more than 16 vendors and a OneBlood T-shirt. OneBlood also started a new program called OneBlood Journey. A week after your visit to the Big Red Bus or branch, you will get an email telling you which hospital received your donation.
OneBlood is a member of America’s Blood Centers, American Association of Blood Banks, South Central Association of Blood Banks, Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy and the National Marrow Donor Program. OneBlood Clermont is also a member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
The Trilogy-Groveland neighborhood hosts the OneBlood Red Bus every 8 weeks.
The team will be hosting a blood drive at Montverde Day the first weekend in November. They have partnerships with Carrabba’s and Applebee’s scheduled. OneBlood will also be hosting a Pint for a Pint drive in October with World of Beer. Donors can follow this link to find a blood drive near them: https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/.
OneBlood is a member of America’s Blood Centers, American Association of Blood Banks, South Central Association of Blood Banks, Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy and the National Marrow Donor Program. OneBlood Clermont is also a member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
The OneBlood team has endless success stories and testimonials. For example, Khai is a little girl here in Clermont with Sickle Cell Anemia. Blood drives have been hosted on her behalf. Her story can be found at: https://www.oneblood.org/i-am-oneblood/testimonials/khai.stml. For more testimonials, visit https://www.oneblood.org/i-am-oneblood/testimonials/anita.stml.
For More OneBlood Information, visit them at 1200 Oakley Seaver Drive #106. Call: 888-936,6283 or 321-442-0959. Visit:https://www.facebook.com/myoneblood/ and follow them at: https://www.facebook.com/myoneblood/. Email: wendy.stone@oneblood.org.
