During disasters and large-scale emergencies, demand for blood often spikes. A steady supply of voluntary donations enables hospitals to respond to trauma, surgeries, and urgent transfusion needs.
How blood services respond
Blood banks coordinate with hospitals to prioritize supplies, mobilize additional collections, and manage logistics. Donations are triaged to meet the most urgent needs first.
How communities and donors can help
- Follow guidance from local blood services — do not rush to donate unless requested.
- Regular donors are particularly valuable; consider scheduling ahead if you can.
- Share verified information and avoid amplifying unverified donation requests.
Keep in mind that during emergencies, storage and distribution logistics matter—donations are most useful when they match specific needs and are properly coordinated.
If an urgent request circulates on social media, check with your national blood service or local hospital before acting — they can confirm current needs. Sometimes the most useful action is to donate at a later scheduled drive when supplies are needed, or to help by sharing verified information about where donations are being accepted.
Communities can also support emergency preparedness by establishing standing donor programs, encouraging regular donors to keep up-to-date contact information, and supporting blood drives at accessible locations.