As people in the Southeast begin to prepare for the possible impact of Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross is urging immediate blood donations prior to the storm’s arrival.
“It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster,” said Joyce Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region.
“We are still working to stabilize the blood supply after our summer shortages. If people will donate blood immediately, before the storm, then blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people from traveling or coming to blood drives.”
Across the country, blood centers are struggling to keep pace with demand. Nationwide, around 39,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental permission, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Please schedule an appointment and/or plan to attend one of the following blood drives:
• Today, 2:30-7 p.m., Rockwell AMVETS, 427 Link St., Rockwell. For an appointment, please call Nancy Shiverdecker at 704-267-6410.
• Saturday, 11 am-3:30 p.m., South Rowan YMCA, J. Fred Corriher Jr., 950 Kimble Road, China Grove. For an appointment, please call the American Red Cross 704-633-3854.
Please call the American Red Cross office at 704-633-3854 for more information.