OneBlood needs donations as Hurricane Irma moves through Florida

OneBlood is asking for donations as Hurricane Irma moves across Florida.

The blood center was forced to suspend all blood donations as of Saturday.

OneBlood said it is arranging shipments of blood to be brought to Florida by blood centers from across the country and is urging people living outside of Irma’s path to donate as soon as possible.

OneBlood said all blood types are needed; however, there is an urgent need to lately donations as well as O-negative blood.

“Other blood centers can only assist OneBlood if they have extra blood available to send to Florida,” the center said in a press release. “This is why a ready bloody supply across the nation is imperative.”

The center also said massive damage from Harvey prevented blood center in Texas from being able to collect blood for several days.

Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations to find a local blood drive and to schedule an appointment:

AABB: www.aabb.org; +1.301.907.6977

America's Blood Centers: www.americasblood.org

American Red Cross: www.redcrossblood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)

Armed Services Blood Program: www.militaryblood.dod.mil; +1.703.681.8024

Cox Media Group