Red Cross: Blood Donations Needed For Hurricane Irene Shortage

In addition to destroying millions of dollars in homes and infrastructure along the East Coast, Hurricane Irene also dealt a terrible blow to the American Red Cross' blood supply.

The storm and its aftermath has forced the cancellation of more than 60 Red Cross blood drives resulting in the shortfall of more than 2,100 units of blood.

Additional blood drives in the areas affected by the storm are expected to be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage and power outages as well.

Thus, the Red Cross is urging people in areas unaffected by the storm to donate blood and platelets as soon as possible.

Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders. 

Aug. 31

• Clinton Macomb Public Library Main, 40900 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038
• 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Click here to schedule an appointment to donate
• All who come to donate will receive free coupon for chocolate covered fruit from Edible Arrangements.

Sept. 1

• New Haven Medical Center, 58144 Gratiot Ave., New Haven, MI 48048
• 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Click here to schedule an appointment to donate

Sept. 1

• St. Luke Lutheran Church, 21400 Nunneley, Clinton Township, MI 48035
• 1-7 p.m.
• Click here to schedule an appointment to donate
• All who come to donate are entered to win free gas for a year, and have a chance to win two Cedar Point tickets.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets at a Red Cross site, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

The Macomb County Red Cross site is located in Warren at 13260 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, 586-756-7600.

Be sure to bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.