According to FBC, 65 percent of the Florida population is eligible to give blood but only 5 percent of the population actually donates. FBC needs at least 1,500 donors per day to meet the needs of patients serviced by the centers. In addition, car accident victims can use 50 pints or more of blood, and with transportation-related accidents being the No. 1 cause of on-the-job deaths, blood donations are essential for keeping up with demand.
On June 24, there will be a blood mobile in front of the Orange County Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST taking blood donations.
All blood donors at the ASSE conference have the opportunity to win $25 Darden Restaurants gift certificates, which can be used at Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Red Lobster restaurants. Donors also will receive a free Sonny’s BBQ Big Meal Deal and a free membership to Club Red (future donors will receive a $10 Darden Restaurants gift certificate on their second donation).
Donors need picture identification in order to donate.
FBC was established on April 2, 1942, shortly after the start of World War II. During its 60 years, FBC has consistently provided the communities it serves with a safe and adequate blood supply. Today, FBC is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to 70 health care facilities in a 21-county area.
With its 875 employees, the not-for-profit 501(C3) organization provides more than 360,000 units of blood and blood products each year donated entirely by volunteers. FBC remains the largest blood bank in Florida and the fourth largest independent blood bank in the nation.