The following statement has been issued by the AABB Disaster Task Force (Vitalant is an AABB member) regarding the status of the nation's blood supply:
As Hurricane Ian reaches Florida and moves throughout the Southeast with dangerous storm surges, winds and flooding, the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism strongly urges eligible individuals in unaffected areas throughout the United States to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible. These donations are essential to maintaining a stable and adequate supply of blood and platelets in the coming days, which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met. The need for platelets is particularly urgent, given that they have a limited shelf life of five days and that the expected breadth and duration of the storm will likely impact large sections of the Southeast.
On average, blood collection organizations nationwide had only 1-2 days’ worth supply of blood supply heading into the storm. Anticipated disruptions in blood collections – as well as transportation challenges – in Florida and the Southeast throughout the next several days are likely to exacerbate already low inventories, particularly in the affected areas.
The Task Force activated on Tuesday to take steps to secure the nation’s blood supply. Blood collection organizations throughout the country have already mobilized and are supporting blood collection organizations in Florida with much-needed blood products and are prepared to continue doing so as long as necessary.
“We are asking all eligible individuals in areas unaffected by this powerful storm to donate blood or platelets now to ensure that every patient who needs this life-saving resource will have it,” said John Hagins, chair of the Task Force. “There is no substitute for blood and no time to waste. Without these donations, lives could be at risk.”
The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as blood needs change throughout the next week.
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To schedule an appointment to give, please click the "Donate Now" button above or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).