Red Cross Issues Local Call for Blood After Hurricane Irene

In addition to causing millions of dollars in damages to 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 forced the cancellation of more than 60 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 also expected to be postponed in the coming days due to storm damage and power outages.

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, the Red Cross said in a press release.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

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

Washtenaw County residents can donate at the following blood drives:

• Today: University of Michigan Hospital, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Today: , 1-7 p.m.
• Sunday: St. Thomas Catholic Church, 530 Elizabeth St. in Ann Arbor, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of upcoming blood drives, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation.