Blood Donations Needed Now

The American Red Cross urges blood donations after Sandy

Storm causes blood drive cancellations and shortfall of about 9,000 blood donations

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (October 30, 2012) — Superstorm Sandy forced the cancellation of more than 200 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 7,000 blood donations in the Northeast and about 9,000 blood donations in 14 states along the East Coast. More cancellations and additional losses of blood donations are expected while areas deal with the storm’s aftermath.  Now that the storm has passed, the Red Cross urges eligible area donors to give blood or platelets as soon as they are able.

“Sandy has affected blood collections along the East Coast,” stated Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications of the American Red Cross – Northeast Division.  “Now that our operations are up and running again, we encourage the community to come forward and help replenish the blood supply.”

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.   Blood has a limited shelf life and platelets have a shelf-life of just five days.  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 rely on blood products during their treatment.   It is the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster.

The Red Cross is providing safe shelter from the storm to thousands of people across nine states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In addition, the organization is providing lifesaving blood for patients in area hospitals, thanks to the help of generous blood donors.  Almost 11,000 people spent Monday night in more than 250 Red Cross shelters across 16 states and these numbers could increase.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

Upcoming Blood Drives

Wednesday 10/31/2012            

Sams Club Vestal, 2441 Vestal Pkwy, East Vestal, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday 11/01/2012 

UHS Binghamton General Hospital, 10-42 Mitchell Ave, Binghamton, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.          

Johnson City Blood Donation Center, 365 Harry L Dr, Johnson City, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Friday 11/02/2012       

UHS Wilson Medical Center, 33-57 Harrison Street, Johnson City, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Johnson City Blood Donation Center, 365 Harry L Dr, Johnson City, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday 11/03/12

Johnson City Blood Donation Center, 365 Harry L Dr, Johnson City, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.