Red Cross urges blood donations as Hurricane Sandy makes landfal - WNEM TV 5

Hurricane Sandy has already caused the cancellation of approximately 100 American Red Cross blood drives in 11 states along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 3,200 units of blood and platelets thus far. 

The Red Cross has moved blood products to the areas most likely to be affected by Sandy so these products will be available during and after the storm.

"The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm," said Todd Kulman, Communications Program Manager for the Great Lakes Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. "It's the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster."

The storm has the potential to cause power outages and flooding in many areas along the East Coast, which will most likely result in the cancellation of additional blood drives and platelet donations throughout the week. 

While Sandy will affect the number of people available to donate, hospital patients still need blood and platelets despite the weather.

Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders.  If collections are negatively impacted by a disaster, the long-term needs of these patients could also be affected. 

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, please visit us online at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.  Please be aware the Red Cross anticipates unusually high call volume over the next several days from those directly affected by the storm and you may experience delays.

The following is a list of blood drives in your area:

The Great Lakes Blood Services Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 700 units of blood a day to meet patient need in hospitals across the state.

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