Red Cross Looking for Blood in Bethel

BETHEL, CT — The Red Cross is scrambling for blood donations in the wake of hurricane Florence, and has set up a drive in Bethel in the coming days.

Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

“Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies. Every donation can be a lifeline for patients.”

In Bethel, the Red Cross will be accepting blood donations at the Bethel United Methodist Church, 141 Greenwood Avenue on Thur., Oct. 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.