Increased patient use of O+POSITIVE blood has caused an increased need for donors. Donate now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TBC Contacts:
Paul Adams 504-319-7499 PAdams@TheBloodCenter.org
Gary Higgins 985-778-3251 ghiggins@thebloodcenter.org
Hurricane Helene Threatens Blood Supplies: The Blood Center Urges Immediate Donations
New Orleans, LA—As Hurricane Helene approaches, The Blood Center (TBC) is asking community members to donate blood this week. This will ensure patients across the Gulf Coast receive lifesaving care.
Hurricane Helene is expected to be the most significant storm to impact the U.S. in several years, likely affecting our neighbors in Florida and several other states for extended periods. Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way for our community to make a difference. The Blood Center’s priority is to support local patients, but we must also be prepared to assist our neighbors in surrounding states across the Gulf Coast region and surrounding states, just as they have done for us in the past.
As a member of the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), a coalition of 35 blood centers all over the United States that collects blood on a rotating schedule, TBC stays on alert during natural disasters to respond should any critical blood shortages occur. Having blood ready can prove lifesaving for disaster zones during dangerous weather, such as what is expected from Hurricane Helene in Florida.
“Our community has always come together in times of crisis. As we prepare for the potential impact of this hurricane, citizens MUST step up over the days and weeks ahead to ensure our readiness and ability to support our neighbors during times of devastation,” said Billy Weales, President and CEO of The Blood Center. “Blood supplies across the Gulf Coast will be affected, and it’s up to us to have the required supplies of blood and blood components before and after the storm hits. Preparedness now and the continued support from our community are essential in making a difference to those requiring transfusions daily due to life-altering illnesses and those who this catastrophic event may physically impact. Our civic responsibility is to step forward and support our neighbors by giving something our body will replenish during their time of need. Power outages are predicted to be massive, inhibiting the local collection agencies from being able to replenish supplies through local collections. This storm for Florida is comparable to Katrina during 2005, and the catastrophic impact was immeasurable.”
"While all blood types are needed, Type O (universal donor) and platelets will be especially critical in helping patients across the Gulf Coast in the coming days," said Dr. Tim Peterson, Medical Director for The Blood Center. "As the primary blood supplier for South Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, maintaining a three-to-four-day supply is essential to managing emergencies. Due to the projected impact Helene will have across the Gulf Coast Region, the demand is expected to be an ongoing trend for days and potentially weeks to come, dependent upon the devastation Helene leaves behind as she makes landfall, as her swath is projected to be far and wide. Severe weather and unpredictable storms often lead to a surge in emergencies, putting additional strain on our healthcare system's resources. Hurricanes of this magnitude create a level of devastation that can span extensive periods, so ongoing public support via blood and blood component donations is imperative for the restoration of normalcy while sustaining life to those requiring transfusion therapy “for life” daily. The Blood Center is asking all citizens to donate now and, in the days/weeks ahead, to ensure the stability of the blood supply across those states, the entire Gulf Coast Region, and beyond."
Despite nearly 60% of the population being eligible to donate blood, fewer than 5% actually do. The Blood Center must collect between 200 and 250 pints daily to maintain a strong supply and meet community needs. The Blood Center is a nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors. It supplies blood and blood components to more than 50 hospitals and outpatient facilities across Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. With 12 donor centers strategically located throughout the Gulf South, The Blood Center plays a critical role in maintaining a stable and healthy community blood supply. Donating blood is a simple way to save lives and potentially support neighboring states. To find a nearby donation center or for more information, call (800) 86-BLOOD or visit TheBloodCenter.org. Stay connected with The Blood Center on social media at @TheBloodCenter.