Red Cross Calls For Donations

People near the Tri-Cities will have a chance to help the American Red Cross in its attempts to gather more blood donations this weekend.

The organization is encouraging people to donate blood and platelets in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

In conjunction with American Red Cross, is hosting a blood drive on Saturday. NewPark Mall is located at 2086 NewPark Mall in Newark.

Blood donors can come by to donate blood between noon and 5 p.m. on the upper level near Burlington and JC Penny. All donors will be given a coupon to Mimi’s Café, a restaurant with stores in Hayward and Foster City.

More than 72 blood drives on the East Coast were canceled because of Hurricane Irene, causing a shortfall of approximately 2,400 units of blood, according to a press release issued by the Red Cross.

The storm has also hindered donors from scheduling appointments and power outages have continued to impede Red Cross operations along the East Coast, according to the American Red Cross.

“Since the Bay Area is no stranger to natural disaster, we expect strong local response to Hurricane Irene,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region.  “If you are asking yourself what can you do 3,000 miles away, the answer is simple. Please donate to the American Red Cross. During this time of need, we all need to do whatever we can to help.”

There is an urgent, very critical need for platelet donors, the press release says. Platelets are commonly used for patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma victims and many other hospital patients.

About 44,000 blood donations are needed daily for accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders.  

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org. Eligible platelet donors should call 1-888-881-0988.

Information provided by the American Red Cross and General Growth Properties.