The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood and platelets to replace an estimated 9,000-unit shortfall caused by Hurricane Sandy.
A press release from the local Red Cross said the storm, which has affected much of the East Coast, caused more than 300 blood drives to be cancelled. The shortfall “is expected to grow as Sandy is causing power outages and flooding in many areas along the East Coast,” the release said.
“The Red Cross shipped blood products into the affected areas ahead of the storm and now urges eligible donors in unaffected areas, like ours, to roll up their sleeves and give blood or platelets to replenish supplies,” it said. “Just as Red Cross disaster workers from across the country have mobilized to help, blood donated through the Red Cross can help patients locally as well as patients in areas affected by Sandy.”
Two blood collection drives already were scheduled at local Catholic parishes on Nov. 4. They will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 3509 Taylor Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1960 Bardstown Road, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
