Red Cross: Blood Donations Needed to Help Communities Affected by Hurricane Sandy

Editor's note: This article was submitted by the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.

Hurricane Sandy has forced the cancellation of approximately 300 American Red Cross blood drives in 14 states along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 9,000 units of blood and platelet donations.

All eligible donors in unaffected parts of the country, including Berkley and Huntington Woods, are encouraged to roll up a sleeve and give blood or platelets.

[Do you know another way to help victims of Hurricane Sandy? Leave a comment!]

“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 Diane E. Ward, CEO for the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “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, providing blood products donated by giving individuals, and specialized laboratory services. While Hurricane Sandy affects the number of people available to donate, patients will still need blood and platelets despite the weather.

All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply is available during a disaster, especially type O positive, O negative, A negative or B negative blood.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. To find a list of blood drives near Berkley and Huntington Woods, enter your area code in the "Your Local Region" box at the upper right side of the website. The Red Cross also has an office in Berkley at 28105 Woodward Ave.

Platelet donors should call 313-494-2788 to schedule an appointment.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 (16 with parental permission in Michigan), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors age 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

How to help

The Red Cross has mobilized disaster volunteers and is providing safe shelter from Hurricane Sandy to thousands of people in the storm’s path. The Red Cross is working closely with federal, state and local government officials, as well as community partners to coordinate response efforts.

Donations are needed to help with the disaster response in New Jersey, New York and other states along the East Coast. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.