It’s the blood already on the shelf that saves lives.

Major disasters and mass casualty events do not usually require large amounts of blood, 200-400 units which is typically already on hospitals’ or blood centers’ shelves to save lives.

Most blood centers see the greatest outpouring of support from donors during disasters, but blood is needed every day.

It takes 24-48 hours to process and prepare a unit of blood for use. You can help blood centers fill every request for blood by making sure it is available before it's needed. Donate today!