As a second potentially devastating hurricane is poised to ravage the southern U.S., Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is issuing an urgent appeal for blood donations. Donors are needed to ensure the availability of blood supplies for hospitals in weather-impacted areas, as well as to meet ongoing needs in the local region.
Hurricane Milton is expected to land on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday night, with the heavily populated city of Tampa Bay forecast to face a record-breaking storm surge of 10 to 15 feet. Experts say Milton is one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic.
Blood collections across the United States are facing significant disruption due to the ongoing weather emergencies impacting the Southeast. Severe weather has forced the closure of numerous blood centers, canceled scheduled blood drives, and restricted donor access in affected areas. These disruptions will persist throughout the coming weeks and months, exacerbating the nation’s existing blood supply challenges.
As communities focus on recovery efforts, blood donations from unaffected areas are urgently needed to meet this critical demand. RIBC is currently providing blood products to help support the national blood supply and stands ready to provide additional aid as needed in the coming days and weeks. To help meet the heightened need, RIBC is calling on local residents to donate and help ensure a stable supply for patients in need during this critical time.
“This has been one of the most devastating hurricane seasons we have seen in years and a robust blood supply is essential for disaster preparedness and our country’s overall public health,” said Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, Marketing and Communications Manager at Rhode Island Blood Center. “We’re calling on all eligible Rhode Islanders to help ensure a stable blood supply to support hospitals that rely on us, both locally and nationally, so our neighbors in the Southeast can focus on recovering from these storms without the burden of blood shortages. There’s no substitute for blood, and the need is critical, now more than ever.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice monthly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit ribc.org or call 401-453-8383.
