HOSPITALS have been warned of a critical blood shortage after a cyber attack targeted a major donor supplier.
OneBlood is encouraging Americans to donate blood as the ransomware attack significantly impacted the nonprofit center’s ability to distribute life-saving donations.
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The attack caused the Orlando-based organization to rely on manual processes and procedures, which take longer to execute – meaning the center’s inventory entered a chaotic shortage.
Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations at OneBlood, said the organization asked hospitals to send more blood during the attack.
“In an effort to better manage the blood supply, we have asked the more than 250 hospitals we serve to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and remain in that state for the time being,” Forbes said in a statement.
All blood types are needed, but OneBlood says there is an urgent need for O positive, O negative and platelet donations.
The AABB Disaster Task Force is also coordinating national resources to assist with additional blood products.
“The blood supply cannot be taken for granted,” Forbes said.
“The situation we are dealing with continues. If you are eligible to donate, we ask that you make an appointment to donate as soon as possible.”
The nonprofit serves Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Donors can typically donate blood by visiting a donation center or the organization’s Big Red Bus.
The center continues to collect, test and distribute blood at reduced capacity while the attack is investigated.
“OneBlood takes the security of our network extremely seriously,” said Forbes.
“Our team reacted quickly to assess our systems and began an investigation to confirm the nature and full scope of the event.
“Our comprehensive response efforts are underway and we are working diligently to restore our systems to full functionality as quickly as possible.”
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