Floridas Blood Centers Inc

Programs: Florida's blood centers, inc. ("fbc"), was established on april 2, 1942, shortly after the start of world war ii, as a charitable organization described in internal revenue code ("irc") section 501(c)(3). Throughout its history, fbc has consistently provided the communities it serves with a safe and reliable blood supply. Fbc provides blood products and compatibility and testing services to approximately 70 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout florida. With approximately 1,100 employees in 21 counties, 153 volunteers, 42 locations, over 40 mobile units, and five portable collection equipment sets, fbc is one of the largest community blood centers in florida and the nation. Fbc's loyal and generous donor base help ensure and maintain a reliable supply of blood at all times. Nonetheless, only five percent of the population donates blood for a staggering 60 percent who will need it during their lifetimes. Donors must be in good health to donate blood, 16 years of age or older and weigh a minimum of 102 pounds. Blood donation is safe and painless, and healthy people can donate every eight weeks (56 days). Fbc encourages donors to give every eight weeks to help maintain a consistent blood supply. Every unit of blood undergoes rigorous processing, testing and labeling to ensure it meets fda safety standards. Blood is usually transfused into a patient in need within 48 hours after it is drawn. Three different blood products are derived from a single donation; red blood cells, platelets and plasma, which may be used to treat patients suffering from trauma, cancer and other conditions. In addition to supplying blood products, fbc offers bone-marrow donor registration. Fbc, a founding member of both the american association of blood banks and the florida association of blood banks, has been a pioneer and leader within the industry. It was one of the first blood centers in the country to implement new capabilities and services such as frozen blood storage, a national clearinghouse system for exchanging blood, community branches and bloodmobile collection.