Thanks to an outpouring of support from the public following Superstorm Sandy, the American Red Cross blood supply is currently sufficient to meet patient needs.
In the week following Sandy, online traffic to redcrossblood.org nearly doubled, resulting in a 42 percent increase in donors scheduling online appointments to give blood.
In addition, the Red Cross saw a 40 percent increase in inbound calls from people interested in donating blood.
Although the blood supply has been replenished, the need for blood is constant and the Red Cross encourages donations year-round.
Blood donations tend to decline during the holiday season as donors become busy with vacations, holiday shopping and gatherings with friends and family.
Donors who gave in response to the aftermath of Sandy may be eligible to donate again toward the end of the winter holiday period.
The Red Cross truly appreciates all the organizations that have stepped up to either host special blood drives or reschedule those that were canceled due to Superstorm Sandy.
Sandy forced the cancellation of almost 380 Red Cross blood drives in 13 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in a shortfall of more than 12,800 units of blood and platelets.
The Red Cross must hold about 600 blood drives each day across the U.S. to meet patient needs. When disaster disrupts this schedule, we must immediately make plans to replenish the supply.
As a Nor’easter heads toward the East Coast, the Red Cross is preparing to respond to the new storm at the same time as the massive relief effort for Superstorm Sandy is underway.
The Red Cross is currently prepared to help meet the blood needs of affected areas.
The Nor’easter has the potential to cause the cancellation of additional blood drives as it moves up the coast.
It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster.
Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and schedule your appointment today.
The response to Sandy is very large and very costly. The Red Cross needs your help now.
To donate visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional
support and other assistance to those affected.
Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the
American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
November 7, 2012, Staten Island, New York. Red Cross emergency response vehicle patrols one of the most devastated areas of Staten Island looking for people who need a sandwich, a hot meal or something to drink. Photo by Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross.
November 6, 2012. Red Cross volunteers Jessica Elam and Gilbert Abney distribute meals from an emergency response vehicle in an affected community of Staten Island, New York. In photo: Ga;oma Genina, Sofiya Yauno and Jess Motorina. Photo by Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
