Local Red Cross Blood Drive
By: WROC-TV
Updated: November 9, 2012
The local Red Cross chapter hosted a blood drive Friday afternoon.
Charlie Needham donates blood a couple times a year, and encourages others to do the same.
"It's really not that bad. I think some people are afraid of the needles or think it hurts. I don't like needles either, but it doesn't really hurt," Needham said.
The Red Cross says the need is real, especially after Hurricane Sandy. The storm canceled hundreds of blood drives across thirteen states. That combined with a Nor'easter hitting the East coast, has the Red Cross fulfilling more needs than usual.
"We are seeing some rough weather so we just need to make sure we're prepared," Red Cross spokeswoman Maureen Wellman said.
On top of that nearly 44,000 blood donations are needed every year. That helps meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders.
"Every two seconds in the U.S. someone needs blood. One in three people in their lifetime will need blood. So, the chances of it affecting you, a friend, or family member is pretty high. It's a great way to make a large impact with a little bit of giving," Wellman said.
If you'd like to learn more about donating you can click here.
