Blood needs mount in wake of hurricane

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the local Red Cross is now asking for immediate blood and platelet donations. According to a statement, the Red Cross has had to cancel more than 60 blood drives along the East Coast due to Hurricane Irene, resulting in the shortfall of nearly 1,500 units of blood.
The Red Cross went on to say that hundreds of area blood and platelet donors have been unable to make their scheduled donation appointments because of storm-related issues.
Call 1-800-RED CROSS to register for current blood drives in unaffected areas.

The local Red Cross said it has an urgent and very critical need for eligible platelet donors. Eligible platelet donors are asked to call 1-800-272-2123 and immediately schedule a donation as soon as possible. Platelets are commonly used for patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma victims and many other hospital patients. Since platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, it is imperative that there are enough platelets on hand to meet the needs of local hospital patients in need.