SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK SHIPS BLOOD TO FLORIDA AS HURRICANE DEBBY PLUNGES ENTIRE AREA INTO STATE OF EMERGENCY

Today the San Diego Blood Bank joined eight other community blood centers across the country in coming to the aid of Florida’s OneBlood organization that serves Tampa Bay, South and Southeast Florida, the Orlando Metro area and surrounding Central Florida counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.

“An urgent appeal went out this morning from OneBlood for 400 pints of blood,” said Lynn Stedd of the blood bank.  “The San Diego Blood Bank was able to send 30 pints and a total of 384 pints were sent by the participating centers.”

Additional requests for blood for Florida are anticipated in the coming days and the San Diego Blood Bank hopes to be able to continue to help.

“Donors can help by donating at any San Diego Blood Bank donor center or bloodmobile and designate their donation in the name of the Disaster Victims Fund, code DSVF,” said Stedd. “We have no idea what the volume or how long of a timeframe blood supplies will be needed in these areas.”

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in generally good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may qualify to donate blood.  To make an appointment or for more information about the San Diego Blood Bank, please call 1-800-4MY-SDBB.