Following the September 11 attacks, the blood banking community learned valuable lessons about its role in emergencies. A national task forced was formed in 2002 to make certain that blood collection efforts in response to domestic disasters and acts of terrorism run smoothly and are managed properly, with the public receiving clear and consistent messages regarding the status of America’s blood supply. This presentation will discuss the responsibilities of local blood centers in disasters and examine national efforts to ensure that blood collection facilities maintain safe and adequate inventories at all times in preparation for disasters.