Red Cross: Blood Donations Needed Following 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. 

Today, the , 223 S. Main St. in Plymouth, has a scheduled from 1-7 p.m.

Appointments can be made online at www.redcross.org by entering sponsor code: plylibrary. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, call (734) 453-0750.

On Thursday, a is scheduled for from 1-7 p.m. 

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

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