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The Blood Center Urges Donations as TS Francine Impacts Community Supply
New Orleans, LA—TS Francine is affecting local blood collections, prompting The Blood Center to call for donations this week. Blood drives are canceling, and residents are preparing for the storm’s impact.
Billy Weales, President and CEO of The Blood Center, says, “Local citizens across the region need to donate NOW as a form of emergency preparedness. Power outages, flooding, and other storm-related events could severely limit our ability to collect much-needed blood.”
Dr. Tim Peterson, Medical Director for The Blood Center, adds, “Hospitals do not close. As the primary blood supplier for South Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, we need a sufficient three-to-four-day supply to handle emergencies. The blood available before a crisis will be there when needs arise. Storms are unpredictable, and severe conditions can lead to numerous emergencies and accidents, straining our healthcare system’s resources.”
Although approximately 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood, fewer than 5% do. The Blood Center must collect between 200 and 250 pints daily to maintain a strong supply and meet community needs.
Operated by a volunteer board of directors, The Blood Center is a nonprofit organization supplying blood and blood components to over 50 hospitals and outpatient facilities across Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. With 12 strategically located donor centers across the Gulf South, The Blood Center is vital in maintaining a stable and healthy community blood supply.
For more information on donating blood or a nearby donation center, call (800) 86-BLOOD or visit TheBloodCenter.org. Connect with The Blood Center on social media at @TheBloodCenter.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TBC Contacts:
Paul Adams 504-319-7499 PAdams@TheBloodCenter.org
Gary Higgins 985-778-3251 ghiggins@thebloodcenter.org