DELMARVA – The Blood Bank of Delmarva is asking for blood donations to help communities on the Florida coast impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Donations are needed both to help on Delmarva and in anticipation of humanitarian efforts that will be necessary to support our southern neighbors. These donations are essential to maintaining a stable supply of blood and platelets in impacted regions, which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met throughout this difficult time.
On Tuesday, Hurricane Ian made landfall along the southwestern coast of Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Experts say it is one of the strongest hurricanes to make landfall on the west coast of Florida.
In a statement released Tuesday, America’s Blood Centers said, “The AABB Inter-organizational 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 AABB, Thursday collection organizations nationwide on average had only 1-2 days’ blood supply heading into the storm. At BBD, the inventory as of Thursday morning was three days whereas the goal is to ideally 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 at 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 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support BBD’s mission by texting BBD to 20222 to give $25.
