Escambia County encourages residents to join in observing National Blood Donor Month during January with OneBlood. January has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month for over 50 years.
"OneBlood has served as the sole blood supplier for every local hospital in the Pensacola area, and the Board of County Commissioners is proud to recognize OneBlood for their great work in the community," said District 5 County Commissioner Steven Barry at the county commission meeting on Jan. 7. "I encourage residents to give blood to help others in need."
OneBlood has played a vital role in helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by supplying blood from COVID-19 survivors to help treat patients in critical condition. This organization has also played a vital role in addressing blood and stem cell research, along with blood product safety and availability, while contributing to the community and enhancing the lives of others.
“When we teamed up with OneBlood this summer to encourage everyone to make a pledge, they were in dire straits,” Florida Senator Doug Broxson said. “People don’t realize they get most of their donations from students at universities. Universities being shut down basically throughout Florida really impacted them. What OneBlood developed was convalescent plasma, which we know has saved people’s lives in this area. My fear is that I’ll be standing here next year making a similar plea for OneBlood. We’ve got to stand together to do everything we can as citizens, as Americans.”
OneBlood is hosting blood donation drives at Escambia County facilities during January. The first drive will be on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 221 Palafox Place in the parking lot adjacent to Baylen St. between the parking garage and county building. OneBlood will also be at the Central Office Complex located at 3363 W. Park Place, Pensacola on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are required. All donors will receive a free gift plus COVID-19 Antibody Testing for all successful donors.
Donors must be in good health (free of allergy, flu, cold and nausea symptoms), 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be well-hydrated, eat a healthy meal within four hours before donating and bring a form of ID. Please do not present to donate if you have a fever or experiencing flu like symptoms. You MUST be symptom free for 14 days prior to donating. Masks are required to be worn by all blood donors. Donors may wear their own or OneBlood will provide one if needed.
OneBlood COVID-19 Antibody Testing Info
OneBlood is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms.
Safety is the top priority for donors and staff during the coronavirus pandemic. Donors will be screened for exposure to COVID-19 before entering the donor area, and safe social distancing practices will be maintained. Please sign up ahead of time and do not come in large groups.
View information about making a donation appointment or find out about local donation sites here.
(pictured left to right): Michelle Salzman, Representative for Florida House District 1 , Florida Senator Doug Broxson, OneBlood Manager Justin Malan, and District 5 County Commissioner Steven Barry helped proclaim National Blood Donor Month January 2021 at the Escambia County Board of County Commission meeting on Jan. 7, 2021.