Those not affected by storm can help

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - According to the national Red Cross website, approximately 100 Red Cross blood drives were canceled due to Hurricane Sandy and more may be canceled in the near future. As a result, a potential 3,200 blood and platelet products will not be available for use. All who are eligible to donate, especially in places not affected by the storm, are asked to schedule a blood donation now.

“Patients will still need blood despite the weather,” said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “To ensure a sufficient national blood supply is available for those in need, both during and after the storm passes, it is critical that those in unaffected areas make an appointment to donate blood as soon as possible.”

Blood drives that are scheduled in the Northeast Indiana area are listed on the WANE.com Community Calendar. Just type "Blood Drive" in the search field and all the scheduled drives will show up.  Those outside of that area can schedule a nearby blood donation by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health. Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them.  Some states allow 16-year-olds to give with parental consent.

Karen Kelly, Communications Manager for Cleveland Blood Services explains that financial donations to the American Red Cross will provide food, shelter and emotional support to those at Red Cross shelters.  Those who wish to help with a financial donation can visit RedCross.org or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to send a $10 donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Contributions may also be sent to the local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013.