CURRENT BLOOD SUPPLIES SUFFICIENT IN
AREAS FACING ARRIVAL OF HURRICANE ISABEL

Citizens Should Contact Local Blood Banks to Schedule an Appointment to Donate Blood in the Coming Weeks to Help Replenish Nation’s Blood Supply

BETHESDA, MD - The members of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism have implemented strategies to minimize the effects that Hurricane Isabel may have on the regional blood supply. As a result of these actions, current blood supplies are sufficient in the Mid-Atlantic regions facing arrival of Hurricane Isabel. Should the need arise, alternate service delivery plans will be implemented to counter the effects of the storm. The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue further updates in the event that additional blood is needed.

“The blood banking community has assessed levels of the U.S. blood supply in areas of the country that are located in the potential path of Hurricane Isabel, and we are prepared to respond to the demands of patient care during and following the storm,” said Donald Doddridge, chairman of the Interorganizational Task Force. “However, it may be difficult to collect blood and blood components in those areas that do experience storm damage and flooding. Therefore, all eligible donors should contact their local blood bank to schedule an appointment to give blood in the coming weeks.”

The Task Force encourages all eligible donors to make giving blood a regular part of their lives. Individuals may donate whole blood every two months (or 56 days). Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations to find a local blood collection site and to schedule an appointment:

• American Association of Blood Banks: www.aabb.org;
  1-866-FROM-YOU (1-866-376-6968)
• America’s Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org;
  1-888-USBLOOD; (1-888-872-5663)
• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org;
  1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543)

The AABB serves as the designated coordinating entity for the Task Force. In addition to AABB, members include: AdvaMed, America’s Blood Centers, American Association of Tissue Banks, American Hospital Association, American Red Cross, Armed Services Blood Program, Blood Centers of America/hemerica, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, College of American Pathologists, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Food and Drug Administration, and Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association.