UPDATE: Nearly 300 Red Cross blood drives have already been canceled due to the storm, and more cancelations are expected. This represents a loss of as many as 10,500 blood and platelet products.
The American Red Cross is asking people to give blood to help meet the needs of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Paducah Area Red Cross Executive Director Jessica Toren says close to 100 Red Cross blood drives in the northeast are cancelled due to the storm. Toren says that number will likely increase as the week goes on.
“That could account for as much as 3,200 blood and platelets products that won’t be collected because of the storm, so we’re really asking people to come in and make a donation at their local blood center," said Toren.
She says area residents may call locally to schedule a blood donation. People may also give monetary donations to help relief efforts at redcross.org. Four Purchase area volunteers are working in storm affected areas, and Toren says an Emergency Response Vehicle deployed today from Calloway County.
