News

As Hurricane Milton, now a strong Category 4 storm that continues to increase in size, approaches the west coast of Florida, The Community Blood Center (CBC) is calling upon local residents to come together in support of our national and regional blood supply efforts. With catastrophic devastation expected, Florida’s blood donation centers are facing significant challenges in maintaining regular collections, threatening the lifesaving blood supply across the state.

The forecasted landfall of Hurricane Milton, expected on Wednesday or early Thursday, could lead to widespread power outages, evacuations and dangerous storm surges along hundreds of miles of coastline, impacting the cities of Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota. With blood collection activities likely disrupted in the storm’s aftermath, CBC is preparing to respond to the needs of the affected communities by bolstering our local supplies to support Florida in this time of crisis.

“As a locally focused but nationally connected blood center, we are urging our community to act now,” said John Hagins, President and CEO of The Community Blood Center. “We know that when a storm of this magnitude strikes, hospitals in affected areas may need emergency blood supplies for patients in critical care, surgery and trauma situations. Your donation today will save lives tomorrow.”

How You Can Help:

1. Donate blood today: We urge healthy individuals to donate blood before Hurricane Milton’s arrival to ensure that a steady supply of lifesaving blood products is available for Florida. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling CBC directly.
2. Host a blood drive: Local businesses, community centers and schools can host emergency blood drives to support our ongoing efforts.
3. Spread the word: Share this urgent need with your friends, family and social media networks to help raise awareness of the importance of donating blood ahead of a disaster.

Local impact, national response:

While Florida may be the state directly impacted by Hurricane Milton, CBC has the ability to send blood anywhere to meet patient transfusions. With Florida’s blood collection operations at risk, every donation made here can help offset the supply shortages in the days and weeks ahead.

The blood community encourages eligible community members to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets at their nearest donor center location or local mobile blood drive.