Hurricane Milton: Available Blood Supply Supported Immediate Needs in Florida

Bethesda, Md. – The supply of blood products that were available before Hurricane Milton made landfall were sufficient to meet all patient needs in Florida during the storm and its immediate aftermath, according to the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism. New donations are needed now and in the coming weeks to ensure the continued adequacy of the blood supply.

The Task Force was activated prior to the hurricane’s landfall to ensure optimal monitoring of the blood supply and to prepare for any potential disruptions in blood collection or transportation of blood products in hurricane-affected areas.

The Task Force, on behalf of the entire blood community, expresses its deep gratitude to individuals throughout the country who donate blood products. Their altruistic donations help to ensure that life-saving blood products were available for patients, even while an extraordinary weather event caused widespread issues.

“This is a reminder, once again, that it is the blood already on the shelves that saves lives during an emergency situation,” said John Hagins, chair of the Task Force. “We thank individuals – whether first-time donors or regular donors – who selflessly donate blood. These donations helped to maintain the stability of the blood supply and save lives throughout the hurricane response.”

To ensure the continued adequacy and stability of the nation’s blood supply, eligible individuals throughout the country are asked to make and keep donation appointments throughout the next few weeks.

Please contact one of the following organizations to schedule an appointment today:

AABB: www.WhereToDonateBlood.org; +1.301.907.6977
America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org; +1.202.393.5725
American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)

About the Task Force

The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism was formed in January 2002 to help make certain that blood collection efforts resulting from domestic disasters and acts of terrorism are managed properly and to deliver clear and consistent messages to the public regarding the status of America’s blood supply. The Task Force is composed of representatives from U.S. blood services, associations and commercial entities, as well as liaisons from governmental agencies, who work together in an effort to ensure that safe and adequate blood product inventories are in place at all times in preparation for disasters. In addition, the Task Force operates as a mechanism to assess the need for collections and/or transportation of blood should a disaster occur.

AABB serves as the designated coordinating entity for the Task Force. In addition to AABB, members include AdvaMed, America's Blood Centers, American Hospital Association, American Red Cross, Blood Centers of America, College of American Pathologists, National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match and the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association. Liaisons from the following government agencies also participate in Task Force discussions: Armed Services Blood Program and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.