Sep 4, 2011 2 min read

Since Hurricane Irene began its path along the East Coast, the storm has forced the cancellation of nearly 60 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in the shortfall of more than 1,500 units of blood. It is expected that additional blood drives will be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage.

Although no blood drives were canceled in the organization’s 100-county Greater Alleghenies Region, which serves the local area, regional officials are urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm.

According to John Hagins, chief executive officer of Greater Alleghenies Region, Hurricane Irene arrived at a time when the nation’s blood supply is already low.

He indicated that across the country, blood centers are struggling to keep pace with demand. Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment.

“When disaster strikes, this need does not diminish, even though blood donors may find it difficult or impossible to get to a convenient donation opportunity,” Hagins noted.

For information about local Red Cross blood drives, go online to www.redcrossblood.org.

To schedule an appointment where available, call toll-free 1-800-733-2767 or go to redcrossblood.org.