Winter weather impacts blood centers

With the cold temperatures hitting Florida, OneBlood is having to adjust its operations due to "hazardous conditions" in the Florida panhandle. 

As a result, OneBlood is asking people in areas with better weather conditions, like West Orange, to donate blood to help off-set the impact to the blood supply. 

“Snow and ice are expected in the Florida Panhandle. The rare event for Florida is creating hazardous conditions, forcing OneBlood to suspend operations in parts of the Panhandle. To help off-set the impact to the blood supply, we are calling on donors living in areas where weather conditions are not as severe to please donate as soon as possible to help ensure a ready blood supply throughout our service area,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, in a news release.

OneBlood serves more than 250 hospitals throughout the southeastern U.S.

To donate blood in Winter Garden, visit the Winter Garden Donor Center at 1200 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. 

For Big Red Bus and other donation locations, visit OneBlood.org/donate-now.