Blood Donation Event In West Windsor In Florence Aftermath

WEST WINDSOR, NJ — The American Red Cross will host a blood donation drive in West Windsor as the organization asks for help to get blood or platelets to care for patients in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. It is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, 153 S. Mill Road.

The American Red Cross continues to provide food, shelter and comfort to those affected by the storm. In addition to blood donations, the organization is requesting financial donations to help those in the affected areas.

Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and also took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations, according to the American Red Cross.

“Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions,” American Red Cross Blood Services Senior Vice President Cliff Numark said. “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.”

Donors of all blood types are urged to help restore hope to patients across the country by making an appointment today to give blood or platelets. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Up-to-date information about how the Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Florence is available at RedCross.org.

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