stethoscope and healthcare business graphic composite

The Big Red Bus Comes to Boca Grande April 6

Posted In: Healthcare News
March 10, 2023

Donating blood saves lives. We all intrinsically know this. Yet, according to the American Red Cross, less than 3 percent of age-eligible people donate blood annually.

The Boca Grande Health Clinic is sponsoring a blood donation event on Thursday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Big Red Bus® will be parked on Park Avenue, next to the Clinic. street in front of the Clinic.

Am I eligible to donate?

Most likely, yes. As long as you are in good health, there is no age limit for donating blood. You must be at least 16 years old (with signed parental consent) to donate; 17 years old or older do not require parental consent. Photo identification is required.

Ready to donate?

We are looking for at least 50 people to donate during the April 6 event. The Big Red Bus can accommodate approximately 8 to 9 donors, with 4 donating at a time.

Appointments are encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated as donor chairs become available. Schedule an appointment.

Get ready to give blood

Unlike when you go in for blood tests, fasting before donating blood is NOT needed – or recommended. Here are the top 3 things you should do before donating:

  1. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet with good sources of iron a few days prior to your donation
  2. Drink plenty of water
  3. Bring your Identification (Driver’s license or picture ID)

Find out more about preparing.

Fun facts about blood

  • Every two seconds of every day, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
  • There are eight different blood types, with each one holding unique characteristics to save lives.
  • The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. About 45 percent of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57 percent) and African Americans (51 percent).
  • Only 7 percent of people in the U.S. are type O negative, so it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
  • Blood only has a shelf life of 42 days.
  • The Big Red Bus® is run by the nonprofit organization OneBlood. Find out more about OneBlood.

More Recent Healthcare News

  • A Tale of Two Cancers: Ask a Doc Explains Ovarian and Prostate Cancers

    September 29, 2023

    Nothing can be as different as ovarian cancer and prostate cancer, yet both often lurk in the shadows, making detection difficult. September is dedicated to ovarian cancer and prostate cancer awareness. Emily Haly, M.D., of the Boca Grande Health Clinic, answers questions about each disease. Do you have a question for us? If so, please […]

  • Embracing Healthy Aging: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

    September 8, 2023

    Aging is a natural part of life, and let’s face it, it’s better than the alternative! While we can’t stop the passage of time, we can certainly make the journey of aging a healthy and fulfilling one. Healthy aging isn’t just about maintaining physical health; it involves nurturing your mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. As […]

  • New Ultrasound Equipment is a Game-Changer for Patient Care

    September 8, 2023

    Thanks to the generosity of MaryLee and Jack Hollis, Boca Grande Health Clinic patients now get faster diagnoses without having to leave the island. A gift from the Hollis family provided the means to acquire a Clarius HD3 portable ultrasound machine. Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, is a crucial diagnostic tool in modern medicine. […]

  • Celebrate National Golf Month by Warming Up and Cooling Off

    August 11, 2023

    Back in 1993, the Professional Golf Association deemed August National Golf Month. For the golf obsessed, this is a great excuse to get out and play a round with family and friends. The month-long celebration is a way to promote the game and introduce new people to the sport. Tiger Woods was 17 in 1993 […]