(Orlando, Florida October 6, 2024) There is an urgent call for additional blood donations before Tropical Storm Milton arrives. All blood types are needed, however there is an urgent need for O Negative and O Positive blood, as well as Platelet donations.

“Milton is expected to become a major hurricane and will likely impact a large portion of OneBlood’s service area. It is crucial that a ready blood supply is on-hand before the storm arrives.  The need to get additional blood to hospitals in advance of the storm is imperative.  If you are eligible to donate, we are urging you to please do so as soon as possible,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.

Hurricanes and tropical systems can disrupt blood collections for days.

“The need for blood does not stop for mother nature.  The most critical time for blood donations is prior to the storm in order to ensure a ready blood supply during and immediately after the event,” said Forbes.

OneBlood encourages all eligible donors to visit a donor center or Big Red Bus to ensure blood is available for patients in need.