Donors encouraged to schedule a donation to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ian
As hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida, the region’s ability to collect blood may be hindered – just when the region needs blood the most.
South Texas Blood & Tissue has sent blood to blood centers in Florida, and along with other blood centers across the nation, is preparing to send additional units if needed. Hurricanes and storms can disrupt blood collection, leading to a drop in the blood supply.
Donors are encouraged to schedule a donation before a spike in the need for blood, since it is blood already on the shelves that can help in cases of emergency or disaster relief.
“Although blood supplies are low nationally, blood centers come together to help one another when events like hurricanes arise,” said Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer of South Texas Blood & Tissue, a subsidiary of San Antonio nonprofit BioBridge Global. “Centers came to our aid when Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas coast in 2017, and we will stand ready if our neighbors in Florida need help.”
All blood types are needed, but especially type-O donors and platelet donors. South Texas Blood & Tissue has less than a one-day supply of type-O blood, the universal blood type.
Donors can make an appointment to give at one of our nine donor centers or at a community blood drive. To schedule, visit SouthTexasBlood.org or call 210-731-5590.
