MIAMI (WSVN) - A local blood center is urging people to donate blood as soon as possible due to a potential tropical storm approaching Florida.
A tropical system is expected to impact Florida’s Gulf Coast in the next few days, which will limit blood collections this week.
While all blood types are needed, there is an urgent need for platelets as well as O Negative and O Positive blood types.
According to OneBlood, the most critical time for blood donations is prior to any storm or hurricane in order to sustain the blood supply during and immediately after the event.
All eligible donors are encouraged to visit a donor center or Big Red Bus to ensure blood is available for patients in need.
Who’s eligible to donate blood?
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.
For a list of OneBlood Donor Centers and Big Red Bus blood drive locations click here.
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