Vitalant Supports Blood Centers in Hurricane-Impacted Areas Thanks to Generous Blood and Platelet Donors
Donors in unaffected areas critically needed to maintain blood supplies

Sept. 30, 2022 — As the southeastern U.S. continues to feel the effects of Hurricane Ian, nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant is encouraging all eligible donors to roll up their sleeves to help patients at about 900 hospitals it serves, and if needed, further support blood centers in storm-impacted areas. Thanks to generous donors, Vitalant has already sent several dozen units of blood and platelets to the region.

Although Vitalant doesn’t directly serve hospitals in Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas, through the AABB Interorganizational Disaster Task Force, it has joined the call to encourage blood and platelet donations in unaffected areas. Blood drive and donation center closures in the storm’s path may persist, taxing an already low blood supply around the country. An adequate supply must be maintained to support routine and emergency treatments wherever there are patients in need. 

All blood types and platelets are critically needed, especially type O, which is most often transfused. O positive is the most common blood type in the U.S. and O negative can be transfused to any patient. 

To eligibility and make an appointment visit vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).