BLOOD... We have it, we need it, we can share it…read more Remember those carefree days, as a kid, when blood took on a whole new meaning? Your first bloody nose. A bruised & bloody knee, looking to mom for sympathy. Pricking your finger to become blood brothers/blood sisters. As an adult, we can still become blood brothers/sisters. With a whole lot more people! Sure, we won't get to practice secret handshakes. Or meet in treehouses. But the meaning is more powerful than ever! My girl, I call her my Fav Fab One, we love to give blood. It's the right thing to do. Paying it forward. Plus, you just never know there might come a day when you are on the receiving end of that bag of blood. This month was my birthday. That time of getting high fives, gifts and celebrations. We were visiting the grand opening of a new restaurant in town when we spotted The Big Red Bus sitting in their parking lot. We ran into Michelle inside, who invited us to donate. Without hesitation, we figured we'd eat, then we'd grab a seat, in the bus. If just felt right to give a gift. A gift of blood. We had NO IDEA that giving blood would be SO MUCH FUN! For when we stepped outta the Florida heat and took our seats, we were greeted by the Tag Team of Julio & Nick! These guys should go on tour. Comedy! Action! Even though we were laughing and having a bloody good time, we knew for sure we were in good hands, too. Funny, how you can be totally professional while being absolutely endearing. That's the atmosphere we were in. Oh, us and one other donor, I'll call her Paige. Thankfully, we all were on the same 'page' so NO ONE was offended or upended. Giving blood. Feeling good. Having fun. And even some parting gifts as their way of saying Thanks! It truly was a 'gifted' experience.

I walked into the One Blood location on Countyline Road in Spring Hill, and I was greeted with a…read morefriendly Hello! and I stated I wished to donate blood. I was given a questionnaire to fill out, and then we exchanged the form with a tablet to answer more health questions. My blood pressure was taken, and my iron count was taken. We walked into the donation area, where I sat in a donation chair, and the donation routine began to take my blood. After about 8-10 minutes, I was finished and got up and left the facility. The technician was friendly and was very good at inserting the donation needle into my arm. There was some informal conversation, and it was a very nice experience. I have been here many times before, and I will return when I can donate again. I've been donating blood since 1969 and feel I am giving life to people who need this to survive. Feel Good about yourself and give blood. One Blood has great employees working there.

I love donating at the center when I'm not doing the buses. The phlebotomist are always smooth and…read moreprofessional with their work. My only complaint is the app glitching over the years with the issues of logging in. Proud 5+ gallon donar.

They spam me for my O+ blood. Vampires! I receive texts…read moretelling me the bribe of the week, then I click the link to find the nearest bus. The phlebotomists on the bus tend to be highly skilled and maintain good cleanliness of the mobile donation site. Also, you get juice and kosher cookies! Since I am going to donate blood anyhow, today I scored 2 movie tickets. I highly recommend the Big Red Bus.

I like this place. The lady at the front is sweet and always so happy to see me and knows my name…read more I come in as often as I can to donate platelets and they all make you feel appreciated. The nurses in the back are very professional and know their stuff. No one likes to be poked. Let's face it that's why most people won't even try. These guys are great!!! The last time I was there I hardly felt a thing. I've only almost passed out once (my fault for not eating prior) and they were quick to take care of me. Within 15 minutes I was out the door, feeling fine and back to work. So before you go...EAT before coming, make sure you are hydrated and take it easy afterwards.

One of the friendliest and most professional blood centers around. The staff is very experienced…read moreand knows how to make you feel welcome and comfortable. There is a health screening and a iron check. One Blood is about to get a new system that does away with the finger stick for iron count. The collection process for whole blood is fast. I believe this center offers other types such as double red cell or platelets.