New Yorkers Asked To Donate Blood As Hurricane Ian Ravages Florida

NEW YORK – It's easy to feel helpless watching a natural disaster unfold on our television screens, but there is something we can do right here and now that will make a big impact and doesn't cost a thing.

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) is asking New Yorkers to donate blood in the midst of the catastrophic hurricane hitting the coast of Florida. Donations are needed locally and in anticipation of humanitarian efforts that will be necessary to support the impacted areas. These donations are essential to maintaining a stable supply of blood and platelets in affected regions, which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met throughout this difficult time.

On Tuesday, Hurricane Ian made landfall along the southwestern coast of Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Experts believe it is one of the strongest hurricanes to make landfall on the west coast of Florida.

The NYBC has already sent blood to the region and needs more donations if asked to provide further support to those in areas affected by the storm. Blood is perishable and according to the AABB, blood collection organizations nationwide had only one to two days’ blood supply heading into the storm. Anticipated disruptions in blood collections and transportation challenges in Florida and the Southeast throughout the next several days are likely to worsen already low inventories, particularly in the affected areas.

"New Yorkers always step up for each other and now we must help Florida and the Southeast, a region that desperately needs our support," said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior VP at NYBC. "Now is a critical time to help those in need by making a blood donation, it’s easy and only takes one hour. This is a dire situation and every donation counts."

To make an appointment at a nearby blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit the NYBC website. If you can't donate blood, you can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to donate $25.