AABB's Disaster Task Force Remains Active to Ensure Continued Stability of Nation’s Blood Supply Following Cybersecurity Incident

The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism was activated last week following a cybersecurity incident at New York Blood Center Enterprises. The Task Force remains activated and continues to monitor the situation and its impact on the nation’s blood supply. The Task Force has been coordinating the transport of blood products to ensure there is a stable and adequate blood supply throughout the country and that all patients’ needs are met.

The recent cybersecurity incident impacted certain information technology systems at New York Blood Center Enterprises, which slowed processing. New York Blood Center Enterprises continues to make steady progress toward full restoration of its services and is resuming all donor center operations and community blood drives.

The Task Force has been in daily contact with staff at New York Blood Center Enterprises since the incident and is meeting regularly to coordinate shipments of blood products as needed. The Task Force is appreciative of the blood collection facilities throughout the country that have supplied blood products during this time.

The Task Force has also released a statement encouraging eligible individuals to schedule an appointment to donate blood at this time to help maintain a readily available blood supply across the country.

The Task Force will continue to monitor the blood supply and will work with partners throughout the blood community to ensure blood needs are met for all patients in need.