MELBOURNE, Fla. – An “urgent” blood drive was organized Wednesday at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne due to the short supply of platelets following last week’s cyberattack against OneBlood, according to Health First.
The blood drive runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital’s auditorium, located on the “A” side of Holmes Regional Medical Center nearest the surface parking lot and deck off Hickory Street, a news release states.
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Though appointments are highly encouraged, walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Health First. Platelet and double red cell donors with their government-issued ID will receive a $45 e-gift card and all other blood donors will receive a $25 e-gift card, the release states
OneBlood, an Orlando-based nonprofit blood center which services Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, suffered impacts to its software system in the July ransomware event, forced to implement manual processes and procedures in order to continue operations as help otherwise came from the national blood community.
“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,” Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, said in a statement July 31.
It was just on Sunday that OneBlood reported its software system was starting to come back online.
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In the midst, Health First states it was among the hospital systems that were asked to step in and help offset OneBlood’s disruption in blood supplies. It’s partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host Wednesday’s blood drive, according to Health First Spokesman Lance Skelly, adding LifeSouth will send half of the donations it receives back to Health First while remaining donations will go to the blood community overall.
“LifeSouth will supplement the blood products that we are currently receiving from OneBlood, and all scheduled mobile blood drives with the Big Red Bus will continue as planned. We will also continue to communicate reminders for upcoming blood donation events to our associates and communities as they are planned,” Skelly said in a statement.
Click here to see a list of FAQs for blood donation eligibility and click here to make an appointment.
Once directed to the LifeSouth website, select one of the donation options displayed on the calendar for August 7, 2024, to schedule your appointment. Platelet donations are a priority at this time, but all donation types are encouraged, especially during the summer months when blood product shortages are at their highest.
HEALTH FIRST’S HOLMES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER TO HOST URGENT BLOOD DRIVE WEDNESDAY (excerpt)
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