The Blood Bank of Delmarva is calling on area residents to donate blood after Hurricane Ian hit Florida.
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By Mike FinneyThe Blood Bank of Delmarva is calling on area residents to donate blood after Hurricane Ian hit Florida.
Donations are needed in anticipation of humanitarian efforts to support those affected by the storm.
These contributions are essential to maintain a stable supply of blood and platelets in the impacted regions, to save lives and ensure patient needs are met during this difficult time.
Hurricane Ian made landfall Wednesday along the southwest coast of Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Experts say it is one of the strongest hurricanes to make landfall in that region.
In a statement Tuesday, America’s Blood Centers said, “The (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies’) 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.”
Blood is perishable, and according to the association, blood collection organizations nationwide on average had only one or two days’ supply heading into the storm.
At Blood Bank of Delmarva, the inventory as of Thursday morning was three days, whereas the goal is to have a seven-day supply. Anticipated disruptions in blood collections and transportation challenges in Florida and the Southeast throughout the next several days are likely to exacerbate already-low inventories, particularly in the affected areas.
“Delmarva residents always step up for each other, and now, we must help Florida and the Southeast, a region that desperately needs our support,” said Patricia Killeen, senior vice president for the Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Now is a critical time to help those in need by making a blood donation. It’s easy and only takes one hour. This is a dire situation, and every donation counts.”
To make an appointment at a nearby blood drive, donors can call 888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit here. If a person can’t donate, they can still give $25 to the Blood Bank’s mission by texting “BBD” to 20222.
