OneBlood investigates cyber attack, Southeastern locations affected

TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - Over 250 hospitals across the Southeast have been affected by the cyberattack on OneBlood. While they continue to collect, test and distribute blood, each center is operating at a significantly reduced capacity.

“The need for blood does not stop because we are facing this situation, no matter the circumstances, we need to ensure the blood supply keeps moving so we have moved to manual processes and procedures,” Susan Forbes, OneBlood vice president of corporate communications and public relations said.

OneBlood has asked hospitals to activate their critical blood shortage protocols as they continue to deal with this issue. But for people like Laura Gaskins who are living with Sickle Cell Disease, it’s difficult to predict when and where you might need a transfusion.

“My most recent time was when I gave birth to my daughter, I had lost a lot of blood....I was near death. Luckily enough, my doctor had blood on standby and was able to help in that time of need,” Gaskins said.

Summer months can be an extremely difficult time to attract donors, which is why OneBlood has issued an urgent call for local donations. Forbes said there is an increased need for O+ and O- blood and platelet donations.

“It’s important that supply continue to be there and continue to come in because we are mitigating all the issues we are facing the best we can. But at the end of the day, it’s all about having that ready supply and depends on donors for us to be able to do that,” Forbes said.

“I am very thankful and appreciate everyone who does donate because again I have sickle cell and it’s very painful disease to have...I’m truly thankful every time I am able to get a blood transfusion done,” Gaskins said.

OneBlood said it is working closely with cyber security specialists, as well as federal, state and local agencies as they investigate the cause and find a solution to the situation.

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