The San Diego Blood Bank is calling on San Diegans to donate blood to maintain a stable and adequate supply of blood and platelets as Hurricane Ian reaches Florida and moves throughout the Southeast with dangerous storm surges, winds, and flooding.
In coordination with the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism, the call for donations is geared toward eligible individuals in unaffected areas throughout the United States, including San Diego to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible.
On average, blood collection organizations nationwide had only 1-2 days’ worth supply of blood supply heading into the storm. According to the San Diego Blood Bank, these donations are essential to maintaining a stable and adequate supply of blood and platelets, which can help save lives in the coming days
“Our community always responds when we put out the call for blood donations locally, and we hope for continued support in case further assistance is needed in other parts of the country,” said San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton. “San Diego Blood Bank has provided platelets to help with this effort and we will stay in touch with blood centers in the area to further assistance if needed.”
The organization noted that platelet donations are particularly urgent, as they have a limited shelf life of five days, and the expected breadth and duration of the storm will likely impact large sections of the Southeast. The already low inventories are expected to become exacerbated with the anticipated disruptions in blood collections, as well as transportation challenges in Florida, and in the Southeast throughout the next several days.
Those who would like to donate blood must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in generally good health. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at SanDiegoBloodBank.org or by calling 619-400-8251.
