Community Corner

Red Cross: Blood Donations Needed Due to Hurricane Irene Shortage

More than 60 American Red Cross blood drives had to be canceled due to Hurricane Irene, creating a shortfall in the nation's blood supply.

In addition to destroying millions of dollars in homes and infrastructure along the East Coast, Hurricane Irene also dealt a terrible blow to the American Red Cross' blood supply.

The storm and its aftermath has forced the cancellation of more than 60 Red Cross blood drives resulting in the shortfall of more than 2,100 units of blood. Additional blood drives in the areas affected by the storm are expected to be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage and power outages as well.

Thus, the Red Cross is urging people in areas unaffected by the storm to donate blood and platelets as soon as possible.

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Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders.

The closest donor center to Ferndale is in . It is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed Tuesday and Sunday.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Click here to schedule an appointment to give blood.

To schedule an appointment at any location to donate blood or platelets, or to host a blood drive in your community, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- 733-2767. 
 
Be sure to bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.


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