Red Cross in Need of Blood Due to Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene has forced the cancellation of more than 60 Red Cross blood drives, resulting in the shortfall of more than 2,100 units of blood.  It is expected that additional blood drives may be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage and power outages.

The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm and asks that community members consider donating blood in affected areas once it’s safe to do so.

You can donate blood in Novi at the following upcoming blood drives:

• Aug. 30, 1-7 p.m. at
• Aug. 31, 2-8 p.m. at
• Sept. 2, noon-6 p.m. at
• Sept. 6, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at

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.

Since platelets, a blood component, have a shelf-life of just five days, it is imperative that there are enough platelets on hand to meet the needs of patients who rely on this lifesaving blood product.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, or to host a blood drive in your community, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767). 

—Submitted by the American Red Cross