(Orlando, Florida, October 9, 2024) OneBlood is urging blood donors in areas NOT impacted by Hurricane Milton to donate blood. All blood types are needed, however there is an increased need for O Negative, O Positive, as well as platelet donors.

“While a significant portion of our service area in Florida has suspended blood collections due to dangerous conditions from Hurricane Milton, we remain operational in Miami-Dade, areas of Broward County, North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. We are urging people who live in these areas that are not being impacted by the storm to please donate”, said Susan Forbes senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations for OneBlood.

Hurricanes can disrupt blood collections for days. 

“The need for blood does not stop for mother nature. We are depending on donors in the areas where we are open to please help with blood collections during this challenging time”, 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.  To find a donation location and to make an appointment, visit oneblood.org. The website has up to the minute information regarding OneBlood’s operations and shows the areas that are open and where operations are temporarily suspended due to the storm.