Hospitals in Southwest Florida need blood donors to step forward because of a critically low supply that is expected to worsen.
The NCH Healthcare System in Collier County has issued an urgent plea for donors, and its blood center is in dire need of platelets, a blood component that form clots and prevents bleeding.
The hospital system has experienced a surge in hospitalizations since Hurricane Ian hit Sept. 28.
- To donate, visit NCH’s blood center at 1100 Immokalee Road in North Naples.
- Those donating whole blood can walk in without an appointment.
- Those donating platelets need to make an appointment by calling 239-624-4130.
- For additional information, call the blood drive hotline at 239-624-6505.
Lee Health, the public hospital system in Lee County, has enough blood supplies on hand but that could change as Ian clean up continues.
- Blood donor centers at Cape Coral Hospital and at the Bonita Community Health Center will both open Wednesday
- Normal operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We encourage anyone who is able to make a potentially life-saving donation,” Lee Health spokeswoman Meaghan Smith said. “We anticipate opening the other locations and launching our mobile blood centers soon.”