DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton-based, not-for-profit blood center Solvita is asking for blood donors as they endeavor to assist with relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

What You Need To Know

  • A Dayton-based blood center is asking for donors in wake of Hurricane Milton 

  • Blood type O is in particular demand

  • There is also a critical shortage of A positive blood

  • There is a "Pink Out Blood Drive at the Solvita Dayton Center from Oct. 11-19

In particular demand are those with blood type O.

“Blood collections in Florida have been severely disrupted by Hurricane Milton and we expect this disruption to continue indefinitely,” said Tracy Morgan, Solvita vice president for donor services, in a press release. “With the help of donors, we must be prepared to assist, even as we face our local problems with low supply.”

Solvita, the release says, is a part of the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), which assist amid “large-scale” emergencies.

They say the group is assisting blood centers in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice in Florida. Solvita will be providing blood from Oct. 14-20.

They say there is low supply of all blood types and that there is a “critical shortage” of A positive blood.

“Solvita must set aside multiple units of type O blood for BERC assistance to Florida,” the release reads. “Donors have an opportunity to support the hurricane relief, the local blood supply, and the fight against cancer by donating at the 'Pink Out Blood Drive' Oct. 11-19 at the Solvita Dayton Center, 349 S. Main St.”

Those who register to donate will receive the following:

  • A $15 Kroger gift card
  • A Breast Cancer Awareness Month T-shirt
  • A pink carnation
  • A chance to win two Ohio State vs. Michigan tickets

The blood center accepts walk-ins, but you can also schedule yourself for a donation via the Donor Time app, going online or by calling 937-461-3220.

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