The local blood center OneBlood has resumed its operations after being forced to suspend them throughout parts of its service due to Hurricane Matthew, and is asking for blood donations as soon as possible to replenish the blood supply.
Particularly, OneBlood needs O negative, Platelets and AB Plasma types.
“The hurricane has greatly reduced our ability to collect blood over the past few days and as a result we are now facing the reality of a severe blood shortage”, said Susan Forbes, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The donations that come in from the areas where we are now operating are helping sustain the blood supply throughout OneBlood’s entire service area,” said Forbes.
Hurricanes can disrupt the blood supply for several days and that is exactly what OneBlood is experiencing as Hurricane Matthew impacts parts of Florida, and areas along the east coast.
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type, visit oneblood.org.
The Apopka OneBlood address is 131 N Park Ave, Apopka, and their phone number is 407-884-7471. For a list of other OneBlood Donor Centers and Big Red Bus blood drive locations, visit www.oneblood.org.
The Apopka Chief will continue to post updates on the Hurricane Matthew aftermath, as well as developments from local organizations and government agencies.
