Red Cross Asking for Donors During Sandy
By: Betsy Holzwarth
Updated: October 29, 2012
PEORIA - The American Red Cross is responding to several states as they get hit by hurricane Sandy.
Because the storm stretches across such a large area, the Red Cross is anticipating a possible shortage in available blood products to help disaster victims.
Donors in unaffected states are being asked to help out, expecially with blood platelets since they only have a five day shelf life.
"We've had 100 blood drives across eleven states be canceled already. As the week goes on, we know that there will be more cancellations. That definitely creates a need. We want to make sure that we have enough blood products to be able to meet the needs, not only along the east coast, but around the country as well," says Red Cross Regional Communications Director Erin Miller.
If you are interested in donating blood, you can make an appointment by visiting www.redcross.org.
