OneBlood is urging Americans to donate blood as the ransomware attack has significantly affected the nonprofit center’s ability to distribute life-saving donations.
The attack has caused the Orlando-based organization to use manual processes and procedures, which take longer to perform – meaning the center’s inventory has been thrown into a chaotic shortage.
Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, said that the organization has asked hospitals to send more blood during the attack.
“In an effort to further manage the blood supply we have asked the more than 250 hospitals we serve to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and to remain in that status for the time being,” Forbes said in a statement.
All blood types are needed, but there’s an urgent need for O positive, O negative and platelet donations.
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies Disaster Task Force is also coordinating national resources to help with additional blood products.
“The blood supply cannot be taken for granted,” Forbes said.
“The situation we are dealing with is ongoing. If you are eligible to donate, we urge you to please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible.”
The nonprofit services Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas with nearly 300 locations across the states.
