American Red Cross Urges Immediate Blood Donations Prior To Hurricane Irene’s Arrival

PHILADELPHIA - Hurricane Irene could affect blood collections along the east coast at a time when the nation’s blood supply is already low. The Red Cross is urging those who are eligible to give blood prior to the storm’s arrival.

Donating blood now, before the storm, will help ensure blood is available in the aftermath of Irene should conditions prohibit people from traveling to blood collections.

It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster. The Red Cross is still working to stabilize the blood supply after our summer shortages. If people will donate blood now, before the storm, then blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people from traveling or coming to blood drives.

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