(July 2, 2025 – Orlando, Florida) OneBlood is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors as a tropical system threatens Florida. All blood types are needed; however, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood, as well as Platelets.

“We are urging donors to be proactive and donate now,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.  “It is vital that a ready supply is on-hand before, during, and after a tropical system.  We are asking all eligible blood and platelet donors to please donate as soon as possible,” said Forbes.

Summer is one of the most challenging times of the year for blood collections.  School is out, and people are on vacation. Add in a tropical system and a holiday weekend, and it becomes even more challenging.   

“Donating blood only takes a little of your time, and you will literally be helping give someone a second chance at life. If you have never donated blood before, now is a great time to start,” said Forbes.

The website provides up-to-the-minute information about OneBlood’s operations, and lists areas that are open and those where operations are temporarily suspended due to the storm.