Disaster Task Force Remains Active to Ensure Continued Adequacy and Stability of Blood Supply

The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism has been activated since the evening of July 29 and has been working to ensure the continued adequacy and stability of the U.S. blood supply as the blood community addresses several challenges.

The Task Force was initially activated in response to a request for assistance from OneBlood, following a ransomware attack impacting the blood collector’s software systems and hindering its blood processing and labeling capabilities. The Task Force coordinated with other blood collectors from throughout the country to ensure all blood product needs were met in the regions served by OneBlood. 

The Task Force has remained in daily contact with OneBlood since last Monday and has continued to assist with blood supply shipments while OneBlood staff worked to restore all systems and processes that were affected by the attack. As of today, OneBlood reported no new additional blood needs and is close to returning to full capacity to support its hospital partners.

Tropical Storm Debby has also been affecting the blood community during this time, causing widespread flooding and impacting blood collection and transportation. Because of this, the Task Force remains activated and is monitoring the storm and its impact on the blood supply.

These challenges have occurred as the blood community continues to address the decrease in blood donations that are typical during the summer months. To remind the public about the importance of blood donation and the continued need for blood, the Task Force has released public announcements urging eligible individuals to make and keep appointments to donate. 

The Task Force will continue to monitor the blood supply and will work with partners throughout the blood community to ensure blood needs are met for all patients in need.