Press release
From the American Red Cross
[Buncombe County, October 29, 2012] – Hurricane Sandy may take aim at the eastern coast of the United States as early as this weekend. As communities brace for the storm’s arrival, the American Red Cross urges people in the possible path of this storm to stay informed and get prepared now in case their community is affected. One way to help is by donating blood prior to the storm’s arrival.
“This storm could affect the turnout at Red Cross blood drives along the East Coast,” said Delisa English, chief executive officer, American Red Cross, Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We ask anyone who is eligible to donate, especially in regions not affected by the storm, to please schedule a blood donation now. By giving blood now, your donation will help the Red Cross ensure that blood is available for patients who still need blood despite the weather.”
Nationwide, an average of 44,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment. This need does not diminish when disaster strikes.
The Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to where it’s needed most – especially during these critical times. “It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives when disasters occur,” said English. “The time to help is now.”
Locally, you may give blood at the following locations:
ASHEVILLE BLOOD DONOR CENTER
100 Edgewood Road, Asheville
Please call 1-800-Red-Cross to schedule an appointment.Every Monday 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Every Tuesday 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Every Wednesday 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
Every Thursday 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday, November 2, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
Saturday, November 3 7:30 am to 12:30 pmCOMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVES
Tuesday, October 30
The Van Winkle Law Firm Blood Drive
11 N. Market Street, Asheville
1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Please call Sandy Holder at 258-2991 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Thursday, November 1
Ira B. Jones Elementary School Blood Drive
544 Kimberly Avenue, Asheville
2:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Please call Samantha Holcombe at 230-6322 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Monday, November 5
West Asheville Baptist Church Blood Drive
926 Haywood Road, Asheville
2:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Please call the church at 683-3752 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Wednesday, November 7
Groce United Methodist Church Blood Drive
954 Tunnel Road, Asheville
1:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Please call 298-7647 or 298-7808 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Wednesday, November 7
Shelley Blankenship Senior Project Blood Drive at the Reynolds Fire Department
235 Charlotte Highway, Asheville
1:00 pm to5:00 pm
Please call 231-0034 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Wednesday, November 7
University of North Carolina Asheville Blood Drive
1 University Heights, Asheville
11:00 am to 4:30 pm
To schedule an appointment and for more information go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code uncasheville.
Thursday, November 8
Lutheran Church of the Nativity Blood Drive
2425 Hendersonville Road, Arden
2:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Please call the church at 684-0352 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Thursday, November 8
Warren Wilson College Blood Drive in the Gladfelter Building Cannon Lounge
701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa
1:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Please call Service Learning at 771-3065 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Friday, November 9
West Ridge Auto Sales Blood Drive
1473 Patton Avenue, Asheville
11:30 am to 4:00 pm
Please call Ken Mertens at 258-8085 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Saturday, November 10
William Peterson Memorial Blood Drive at the Weaverville Fire Department
3 Monticello Road, Weaverville
2:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Please call Eirene Peterson at 645-8777 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood.
The Red Cross is mobilizing disaster workers in the regions that weather experts say will be affected by the storm, and has more than 100 emergency response vehicles on alert. Supplies are ready to be moved and shelter locations are being identified across multiple states. The Red Cross is working closely with federal, state and local government officials, as well as community partners to coordinate response efforts.
Individuals and families are asked to take personal preparedness steps and download the free Red Cross Hurricane App to get ready for the storm now. The Hurricane App provides real-time hurricane safety information, such as weather alerts and where Red Cross shelters are located. The app also features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for “American Red Cross.”
How to Donate Blood Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.