American Red Cross Needs Blood! Donate in Danbury Thursday

American Red Cross Needs Blood! Donate in Danbury Thursday

The American Red Cross is in need of blood donations due to the impact of Hurricane Irene on the blood supply. The Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donations because platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, according to their website.

The Red Cross had to cancel over 60 blood drives along the East Coast due to Hurricane Irene, causing a shortage of over 1,500 units of blood.  They estimate many more in the upcoming days may also be canceled due to the storm damage. Nationwide, 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. If the Red Cross does not get the blood they need, it could negatively impact the long-term care needs of those patients.

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Thursday from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Newtown Road across from Wal-Mart. Online appointments are closed at this time, however donors may all 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment.

If you can’t make it Thursday in Danbury, the American Red Cross is holding another blood drive in Monroe on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 8:00am until 1:00pm at the Monroe Senior Center, 235 Cutler’s Farm Road, Monroe.

For more information on the American Red Cross and to view upcoming blood drive dates click here.