Blood Drive Monday At Trinity

Superstorm Sandy forced the cancellation of about 360 American Red Cross blood drives in 13 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in a shortfall of nearly 12,000 blood donations by November 2.  More cancellations and additional losses of blood donations were expected last weekend while areas continued to deal with the storm’s aftermath. Now that the storm has passed, the Red Cross urges eligible area donors to give blood or platelets as soon as they are able.

Trinity Episcopal Church will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Monday, November 12. The blood drive will be conducted in the undercroft of the church, at 36 Main Street. It will run from 8:30 am until 6:15 pm.

“Sandy has affected blood collections along the East Coast,” stated Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications of the American Red Cross-Northeast Division.  “Now that our operations are up and running again, we encourage the community to come forward and help replenish the blood supply.”

All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply is available during a disaster, especially type O positive, O negative, A negative or B negative blood. Blood has a limited shelf life and platelets have a shelf-life of just five days.

Nationwide around 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders; these patients rely on blood products during their treatment. It is the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during, and after a disaster.

The American Red Cross is helping people across 13 states with safe shelter, food and comfort as part of a huge disaster response to Sandy. In addition, the organization is providing lifesaving blood for patients in area hospitals, thanks to the help of generous blood donors. 

Donors must be at least age 18, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Appointments are available for Monday’s blood drive, and walk-ins will also be welcomed.

Call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit www.RedCross.org for additional information on this and other upcoming blood drives in the region and to make appointments.