The American Red Cross is sending out a desperate plea for blood donations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
The donations are needed not only because of the injuries caused by the powerful storm but also because 100 blood drives on the East Coast have been cancelled in 11 states.
The cancellations have resulted in a shortfall of 3,200 blood and platelet donations.
“Just as Red Cross volunteers have mobilized to provide disaster relief and other emergency assistance, we are mobilizing blood and platelets donations to ensure patients have access to the potentially lifesaving blood products they need,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO of the Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “When you donate blood or platelets through the Red Cross, you can help patients in your local community and patients across the country, including those in Hurricane Sandy’s path.”
The Red Cross partners with more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
All blood types are needed right now, but especially types O-positive, O-negative, A-negative and B-negative blood. For more information on how to donate, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
