As hurricane season continues, we urge all eligible individuals to make appointments to donate blood today to ensure your local blood needs are met and resources are available to impacted areas. Inclement weather, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, leads to disruptions in blood collection efforts and has the potential to create significant hurdles in ensuring timely delivery of blood products to healthcare facilities, impacting patients in need.
Although there is often a surge in blood donations in the aftermath of disasters, it’s the blood that has already been donated and is available for patients that saves the lives of individuals impacted by these events. Each blood donation requires 24-48 hours to process before being ready to transfuse to a patient , underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong blood supply well in advance of emergency situations.
Many blood centers are already grappling with low inventories, with some having only 1-2 days’ worth of blood on hand. The disruptions in blood collections and transportation due to this year’s hurricane season have compounded and required an increase in collections by both centers in the storms’ paths and those elsewhere in the country who stand ready to assist.
Acting now to donate blood is key to ensuring a readily available blood supply capable of saving lives and meeting the urgent needs of patients. Donations of platelets are particularly needed, given their short shelf life of just five to seven days.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion. Whether for emergent needs like trauma or childbirth complications, or for managing chronic conditions like cancer or inherited blood disorders, each blood donation holds the potential to save multiple lives.
Make a difference now – donate blood to ensure it is on the shelf when it is needed the most. You can also help spread awareness about the need for a strong blood supply using our complimentary resources designed to help individuals and businesses promote blood donation within their community.
America’s Blood Centers and our members are committed to addressing the challenges facing our nation’s blood supply and ensuring blood products remain available for all patients in need. Find your community blood center, learn more about our advocacy work, and get involved today.