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Blood Banks of Mid-Florida Medical Services
Donate Partners Sponsor a Blood Drive Need a Speaker?
Blood Banks of Mid-Florida is your community blood bank serving the needs of patients and hospitals in Eastern Polk County. Our donors are the links to saving lives. Without you, we would not be able to provide the "Gift of Life" each and every day.
We have 2 community Donor Centers and three bloodmobiles that travel throughout our community every day.
- Main Center
- 460 First Street North
Winter Haven, FL 33881- Hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.- Branch Location
- Lake Wales Medical Centers
410 South 11th Street
Lake Wales, FL- Hours
- Monday and Thursday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Did you know?
- Blood Banks of Mid-Florida needs to collect at least 100 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of our hospitals.
- Blood cannot be manufactured artificially and nothing can be substituted for the functions that blood serves. The only source of the blood supply is from volunteer blood donors.
- Approximately 60% of the U.S. population are medically able to give blood, even though many people mistakenly believe that they are unable. However only 4 - 5% actually donate once or more per year.
- Every three seconds someone needs blood.
- If all blood donors gave 2 to 4 times a year, it would help prevent blood shortages.
Donate
Who Can Donate Blood?
In general you ARE ELIGIBLE to donate blood if:
- You are 17 years old or older. There is no upper age limit.
- You weigh at least 110 pounds
- You are in good health. If taking medication, you may be able to donate depending on the reason for and the type of medication.
Persons taking most medications are able to donate blood.
Medications that do not prevent you from donating:
- High Blood Pressure Medications
- Insulin (by mouth or injection)
- Allergy Medications
- Asthma Medications
- Anti-depressants
- Aspirin
- Cholesterol Lowering Medications
- Seizure Medications
- Diet Pills
You ARE NOT ELIGIBLE to donate if:
- You had hepatitis after the age of 10.
- You are pregnant.
- You have had a tattoo within the last 12 months.
- You participate in high-risk behaviors.
Medications that preclude you from donating:
- Coumadin
- Proscar
- Propecia
- Accutane Avodart
What about:
- Anemia (low iron)
Iron levels in the blood vary daily. These levels are checked at the time of donation. If you were previously deferred because of your iron level, please try again.- Breast Feeding
You may donate if you are breastfeeding.- Menstrual Period
You may donate if you are feeling well.- Hemochromatosis
You may be eligible do donate blood for others if you have hereditary hemochromatosis. To do so you must present an appropriately completed prescription or requisition from your physician. You must meet all other criteria for volunteer whole blood donors, except the donation interval. For further information call the Blood Bank at 863-297-1840.Some Hints for a Very Successful First-Time Donation:
- Realize that it’s normal to be nervous. Many people experience a natural hesitancy towards donating. Once you have done it, the fear of the unknown is overcome and you’ll feel very good about yourself.
- Drink lots of water and try to eat a good meal before donating. The water helps to replace the small amount of fluid that you lose when you donate.
- Familiarize yourself with the donation process. Ask questions. Understanding the process helps you relax.
- Think about the fact that with one donation, you are helping 3 people to have another birthday, another hug, another chance at life.
Partners
Blood Banks of Mid-Florida, a community blood provider, is always looking for ways to partner with members of our community. Through the partnerships, local companies and organizations offer special "thank-yous" to blood donors. The "thank-yous" may be items to be raffled at area blood drives or donor centers, special coupons, discounts, etc. As members of the community, these local business and organizations like to show their appreciation for those who donate to the community blood supply. If you are interested in partnering with Blood Banks of Mid-Florida, please e-mail robbie.taylor@winterhavenhospital.org. Partners also receive recognition from the Blood Bank.
Current partners include:
- Café Latte (Winter Haven)
- Pretzel Time (Eagle Ridge Mall)
- Comedy Buffet (Winter Haven)
Sponsor A Blood Drive
About 65% of our blood is collected on our bloodmobiles. We can bring a bloodmobile to your location for as few as 5 donors.
Who can sponsor a blood drive?
You can! Blood drives can be held at your place of employment, your community, your church, your school, your civic group, and special events.
What do I have to do?
Just contact us. We will assist you in setting up your blood drive.
To set up your blood drive, call: (863) 297-1840
Or e-mail: robbie.taylor@winterhavenhospital.orgHow much time will this project require of me?
The first time drive usually takes a little more time. You will be establishing a "baseline" of donors. After your first drive, it’s easy. Just invite your regular donors and ask each of them to bring a friend.
Will my blood drive really make a difference?
There is a continuing nationwide blood shortage with very little relief in sight. Our area hospitals are adding services that require more blood. (Winter Haven Hospital will soon be performing open heart procedures. Lake Wales Medical Centers has opened a new emergency facility.) Every single donor is extremely important. The most important unit of blood is the one the doctor just requested for a patient.
Need A Speaker?
Blood Bank representatives are available to speak at your upcoming meeting or event.
Topics include:
- Corporate Blood Drives
- The Need for Younger Donors
- The Blood Donation Process
- Community Blood Needs?
- Safety of the Blood Supply
- Blood Bank Special Programs
- Baby Donor Program
- Hereditary Hemochromatosis Donor Program
- Autologous / Directed Donor Program
Speakers are also available to speak at school groups ranging from PTO and teacher groups to 4th grade and up classes.
Speaker information is available by calling Winter Haven Hospital Speakers' Bureau at (863) 291-6705 weekdays, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.