OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Not-for-profit blood donation organization OneBlood, which services Florida and other areas of the Southeastern U.S., has announced an urgent need for donors, particularly of O negative (the “universal donor”) and O positive blood and platelets.
“In an instant any one of us can find ourselves on the receiving end of a blood transfusion,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, in a statement. “Every day patients in local hospitals depend on blood donors to live.”
There is a permanent donation center in Ocala at 1051 SW 1st Ave. in Ocala, and a number of “Big Red Bus” donation drives coming up in the area (see below). Most of these locations and events accept walk-ins, but businesses and other organizations often select an event and then all go together, so it’s advisable, if possible, to visit OneBlood’s website, pick a date and location and make an appointment. Donors who show up at Big Red Bus drives often get swag for their contributions, from auto sunshades to gift cards.
Upcoming Local Donation Events (Big Red Bus Drives):
- May 13–Walmart, 4980 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- May 13–Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7855 SW SR 200, Ocala. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
- May 14–Oak Run, 6951 SW 115th St. Rd., Ocala. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- May 14–Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7855 SW SR 200, Ocala. 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
- May 16–Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7855 SW SR 200, Ocala. Noon-5 p.m.
- May 18–Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7855 SW SR 200, Ocala. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- May 18–Walmart Shores, 34 Bahia Ave., Ocala. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- May 18–Walmart Dunnellon, 11012 N. Williams St., Dunnellon. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- May 20–Marion Landing, 8457 SW 65th Ave. Rd., Ocala. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- May 20–Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7855 SW SR 200, Ocala. Noon-5 p.m.
You can also help your location or business host a OneBlood drive of its own. Visit here for more details.