Prior to this visit, it had been years since I last donated blood. Now that my son is old enough to donate, he decided to go with me. I scheduled an appointment online a week in advance. No other donors were present when we arrived on a late Friday afternoon. The check-in process and completion of required forms takes a few minutes, but it's easily carried out via tablet. The 2 ladies assisting us were friendly and helpful. I had no issues completing the entire process for a successful donation, but my son started to feel woozy while his blood was being drawn. The staff was very attentive, making sure his condition improved using cooling towels, a drink and snack. They encouraged him to take his time recovering, making him feel at ease. I really appreciated their sincere concern and care. The interior of the bus is clean, bright and pretty chilly. Good idea to have a jacket. The rewards you'll receive are a bonus, but giving blood is a very worthwhile, impactful practice that goes a long way to help others. read more

Big Red Bus- One Blood - Gifts for donating - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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So this was my First experience with One Blood. I actually was at a different location the day before but they lost power just as I was ready to start. I ran across the Waterford Lakes location the next day and while it was a smaller bus the staff was great there. They made me feel comfortable and were accommodating even though I had no appointment and just walked in. This location is closest to my home so I will be going back now that I see the process is so easy and the staff is friendly ! read more

Sunday, May 25th at 1:10 P.M. I see all the time that there is a shortage of blood and please donate blood. There was a donation bus by the epic theater in st. Augustine and both me and my daughter thought it would be nice to donate. I was told with out a reservation they are not taking walk ins. they had someone coming in at 2:00 and would not take us. If you need blood so bad why would two people be turned away. please don't complain about not having enough blood if you can turn two donations away. read more

The big red bus offers a great way to give back. The convenience of these mobile locations reminds you, without pressure, that you can help. Inside they are clean and always staffed with friendly people. They take great care of you and are always offering some type of gift for donating. read more

What's better than getting two free movie tickets for a simple, 30 minutes of getting your blood sucked out of your body? Getting FOUR movie tickets because your son is finally old enough to donate too! Luckily, we were in the area of this Big Red Bus and were able to walk right in. After filling out the paperwork and answering the standard questions; it was time for us to chug a soda and donate that sweet vampire nectar. The staff of two nurses were great and accommodating, constantly working together to get us in and out without much hassle or delay. I'm just glad my son was excited to give as much as I was to get the movie tickets. In my experience, it is better to make an appointment rather than swing by on a whim, but luckily this worked for us. read more

Big Red Bus- One Blood - The boy donating. - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Donated blood. And I still have not received my reward. Donated blood on Saturday. And I have not received my reward. I'll try to call the 1 800 at 1 blood.Many times since Saturday.I started this Monday and I started today and no response as to why.I'm not getting my twenty dollar gifte certificate. read more

I'm not sure if it's me but every time I go to one of these big red buses the staff seem like they have attitudes. Maybe they don't like who they are working with that day or maybe they don't like their jobs but don't take it out on the people that are donating their blood and their time. If you don't like your job then quit and find another one but don't have an attitude with the donors. read more

I was very excited to donate blood for the first time in my 44 years of life. Considering that, I was also very nervous. A rather flippant person asked me if I had an appointment and said that they were too busy for walk-ins. I mentioned that I only came in because there were signs outside that said, "Walk-ins welcome." He said they had to put those signs up even if they weren't true which is absolutely insane in my opinion. He absent mindedly flipped through some paperwork, exposing names of people to me with appointments which seemed strange. He mentioned a time that I could come back, but he made me too nervous to even ask how long it generally takes. Feeling embarrassed, I just wanted to get out of there so I said I had a meeting and left. I'm definitely not in a rush to head back so we'll see if I ever donate blood. Most assuredly, not with the Big Red Bus. read more

The Big Red Bus makes donating blood very convenient. As soon as you enter the bus you are immediately greeted and the staff is ready to go. I already have an account established so it cut a few minutes from the process. I was in and out of the chair in about twenty minutes. After giving blood they often offer a parting gift. Usually it's a tote or a shirt with a ten dollar gift card. The gift card is part of a Donor Rewards Program. 12 to 36 hours after your donation you log onto their website and put in your rewards code. This gives you access to pick a $10 eGift from many different establishments. Several days after your donations or will receive an email with a mini health update from your wellness check prior to giving blood. read more

Big Red Bus- One Blood - Inside the bus - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I can't think of a better way to celebrate daughters day 2020 than donating blood as a team My girl did awesome on her first donation & knocked it out of the park. read more

Big Red Bus- One Blood - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Thank you One Blood team ye at the Frenchy's Rockaway Grill blood drive in Clearwater Beach. Carlos, April and Kelly are so professional and fun. Thank you. read more

I always enjoy donating! It just makes you feel good in more ways than one, and it's good for the community. I have never had a bad experience with the Big Red Bus people! They are professional, courteous, kind, supportive, and discrete. I love you guys! Thanks, One Blood! read more

I am extremely confused. Since when is a donator required to receive 8 weeks worth of mail, their mailing address MUST be in the state they're donating blood in, and if they don't meet these two requirements, then they can't donate blood? I'm confused. We were also told that this was part of the "FDA's regulations". I've never heard of such nonsense! Today, my husband with O- blood was turned away from your Big Red Bus. He has a MD license and was told because he couldn't receive mail for 8 weeks here in FL, that he wasn't allowed to donate blood and that this mail requirement was an "FDA regulation". Since when does the FDA regulate mail?? Can someone please explain this to me? Because my husband has donated across many states and never had an issue. Since when did this regulation go into effect? I'd also like a copy of this regulation. I also want to know when consenting to donate blood also meant consenting to unwanted mail for 8 weeks. I'd appreciate a response regarding this issue. This is extremely concerning to me. read more

Me and my son used to enjoy donating to one blood but not so much anymore we have come across when we would go for appointments half the time the buses would not show up like today me and my son and my Dad were suppose to go to donate blood and my Dad called me around 8am telling me that one blood sent a email telling him that the bus will not be showing up with no reason to me they ask for Donors and u try to Give blood but they do not do there part to show up half the time i have had this happen to me at least 4 times i think they need more help with Drivers and more buses then when u call the one blood number no body helps u with why this goes on breaks my heart to not want to give blood but it is like i am wasting my time waiting for a bus in a parking lot all day to show up in hot heat that sooner or later u give up and want to just go home . God bless ya all . read more

Gosh! I met some really great and friendly women the other day! I had so much fun bantering with one named......M????...oh her name is Yaritza! Also, I learned about Tanisha's life story. I had so much fun that I walked back in the place to give a hug. I laughed more in their presence than I had all week! unknowingly, I needed that big lift. But get this: I was on the BIG RED BUS giving blood and never gave the whole process a second thought while there! Thank-you! I left with more than what I came in with! Can't wait to see you guys again. read more

Went to give blood and told them I was in Oxford study and never in my life did I encounter such bewilderment.

If the staff wasn't so friendly, they would've only gotten a 4 Star Review for running out of oatmeal raisin cookies.

Nice crews on bus friendly staff answering the phone. Always laughing with crew and other donors while doing some good for Florida

I donated on Sunday at the Real Life East campus and Ruth was wonderful! Everything ran smooth and efficiently, I was checked in and finished in no time at all. read more

What a great experience. We were going shopping but when I saw the Big Red Bus I sent my family shopping so I could go give blood. They were busy, the process took a little over an hour because there were only 2 staff working and there was a line. But they got me through as fast as thy could. They were personal and friendly and I would stop and give again when I can. read more

I've been donating blood for several years now. However, since I stopped eating red meat, I usually don't have the level of hemoglobin required to donate. So I've been trying to eat iron rich veggies, trying to take my vitamins and every once in a while I stop by to try to donate after they check my hemoglobin levels. They are usually pretty good about it and don't complain about me asking for them to check my levels. I guess they understand this is very important for me. On the other hand, these buses usually have give you a number, as your turn, unless you have done an appointment online. They give you the number and encourage you to hang around or come by "after 30 minutes", but they won't guarantee your turn in 30 minutes because if someone if a lower number shows up, you will have to wait longer... I've been waiting up to two hours. Which seems like a bad method for you to keep track of turns, I think. My best bet is for you either to go early or try to make an appointment because if not, you can usually wait for up to two hours. read more

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I have been donating regularly for the past year. The last two times I went I found the staff to be very unpleasant. They seem to be completely lacking in interpersonal skills. Apparently a pleasant greeting and demeanor are too much to expect. They seem to hate their jobs. The volunteers are great but the staff has been nasty two out of the tree times I went. read more

I made an "appointment" to donate blood and first, they didn't have my name on the list which whatever they still saw me, but they didn't look happy about me coming in. I came in at 4:15 and definitely wasn't welcome at that time. read more

You should try spacing out your appointment times so people are not waiting around a half an hour to get processed then have to wait another 30 minutes because now we need to have enough space due to covid. People are really trying to help and donate and your making it impossible. read more

Is there any reason why a big red bus with 2 workers and all empty chairs should tell somebody they can't take them right now... come back in 2 hours. There was literally no patients on the bus. I was told they had an appointment coming in 10 minutes. Well... there are 3 other empty chairs. Ridiculous. I always walk on when the bus is outside my job. Hopefully I can donate with a different company. This was in Lake Mary today. read more

I had a wonderful experience today. Patsy, Gavin were very professional an welcoming and friendly. I went to the Gulf Breeze Walmart to do my donation today. A welcoming and good experience. Patsy my tech was very kind outgoing and friendly. For real I would have loved to jusyhang out with her and the staff. I highly recommend the Big Red Bus. read more

Temember they then sell ur blood so thats how u get tickets or gift cards. Only other way is plasma

Hi , I have been a blood donor for over 30 years and am thankful for the Oneblood staff for doing such a great job helping the community and saving lives. I recently gave a donation at one of the mobile bus locations at the JCC on Apopka Vineland rd. on 8/31/21. Taylor greeted me and was very pleasant and helped prepare all that was required. Sofia, was also a dear. She was caring and made the blood donation as smooth as possible. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in donating blood. that they find out when and where they are working and book with them. Since giving and saving lives is such a part of Oneblood's mission , i want to share with anyone to please watch The Chosen. it is a wonderful series on the life of Jesus and his disciples. I tear up on almost every episode. I love to watch it over and over. the actors are awesome and it can change your attitude in life. thank you all and please continue the great work in saving lives. read more

I love donating blood and donate any chance I get. Not only does it feel good knowing that you have a hand in saving lives, but it makes me feel better physically. My donor spot of choice is the Waterford Town Center's Blood Bus. They are there every weekend and usually I can get in and out relatively quickly. I've made appointments before, but usually end up waiting anyways. So, I'm usually a walk up these days. Try arriving either first thing in the morning or around 2-3pm, on the weekends. Those are typically their lower volume times. Paperwork has been streamlined and taken from hurting your hand bubbling in answers for health-related questions, to now everything is done on a tablet. Also, no more finger prick to test your iron. They use a fancy contraption that slides over your finger and tests your iron. It's completely painless. If you have never donated before, seriously think about starting. Blood is vital for hospitals and their patients. read more

I like donating, but when I make an appointment for blood donation, il seems to be completely disregarded by staff and treated the same as a walk in. Why have appointments if this is the case? read more

I cannot express enough how negative my experience was here. I doubt I will ever give blood again. I made a noon appointment a few days in advance to give blood. I had a good breakfast and a couple of large ice waters before arriving on time for my appointment. There were no tents, fans, etc., but I sat outside for 45 minutes in the June Florida heat before they brought me in. I had my printed confirmation with me, and although it was not on the instructions for arrival and I was wearing my hospital badge, I needed a photo ID with first and last name. I had to have my coworker send me a picture of my license. (I would have been happy to bring it but was not instructed to do so. This was my lunch break and I was wearing my badge so I did not realize this would be an issue.) I was then given the tablet to fill out the questionnaire and it kicks me out of the system three times (I am in my 20s, I am fairly tech savvy, it was not user error). After the worker interacted very rudely with another worker about the tablet, they reset it and I was able to complete it. I asked a question regarding my medical history to the worker and she proceeds to open the door and YELL across the bus for all employees and other volunteers to hear about this matter to ask if I was okay to donate. I'm taken to the actual donation location where the phlebotomist mumbled and ran through a script you could tell he was sick of saying over and over. He asked me to pump the ball as he located my vein, no problem. He does a good job inserting the needle, but since I have not given blood in YEARS, I did not realize I needed to keep pumping. He prompts me a couple of times to pump so I outright ask if I need to constantly pump and he says yes. So I pump until my arm is tired and I am now dehydrated from sweating so much outside and FREEZING because the AC is on high. I tell the phlebotomist I feel light headed, so he gets me a sprite, places ice packs on my neck and chest, and asks me to cough. I didn't doubt his knowledge, he knew his stuff, he just seemed over his job. At this point I am so so cold that I doubt my blood is pumping at all and my arm is shaking from squeezing over and over. He then says I've clotted and the donation is a toss out. He makes sure to express to his coworker that the partial draw is useless and make me feel as if it's MY fault. I had to remind myself that I actually volunteered to do this. As I'm waiting to completely feel normal before leaving, the phlebotomist is walking through the bus eating pizza, asking if I'm alright. By the time I left it had been exactly two hours since I arrived. I ended up going home early because I just felt awful. I really wanted to contribute to this cause and this experience made me never want to do it again. read more

They don't always maintain a posted donation site. Have donated, made appointment for a Saturday at local movie theatre lot and they did not show, no contact was able to be reached. Apparently staff had called in sick and no others to replace them and no one advised that they were cancelling. Waited for over 40 minutes ( thinking it may have been a traffic delay...nope.) read more

I usually donate for Red Cross, never have issues. Today was a Blood Drive at work and I decided to give it a try, again, after last years disaster. My appointment was for 10:15 am, the bus staff was not ready until 10:45 am. My right arm is usually my "go to" arm, but she was not able to find a vein she felt confident about. I was told my veins are to tight....I asked what that meant, no response. After a couple of minute of poking and propping for a vein she decided to move on the my left arm. Same scenario. She requested a second opinion from the other staff member telling me my veins are playing magic tricks. I then was instructed to hold my arm in a twisted way so they can get to the vein. Never mind my comfort, it is all about the blood I suppose. She proceeded to use the back of the alcohol swipe stick to press mark in my arm pit. After the third mark was carved in my skin, which was rather painful, my anxiety went through the roof. I expressed my concern received a very rude response and called it a day. The young lady seemed very unsure of herself and her comments were unprofessional. As I said before, this is the second time I had a poor experience with the Big Red Bus, there will not be a third time. read more