Red Cross still needs blood, monetary donations

The massive death and injury tolls being reported from attack sites on the East Coast have left hospitals and blood banks in those areas short on staff and resources. \nThis tragedy comes on the heels of a growing shortage of blood supplies around the nation during this past year. In the face of tragedy, blood banks, hospitals and medical centers nationwide are full of stunned Americans wanting to help by donating blood. \nAdministrative Assistant of Community Relations at the Bloomington Hospital Mandy Long said that they have gotten "a lot of calls." She said the hospital is not working with any other associations, and that they cannot do so until they are contacted by groups such as the Red Cross. \n"We can't give the OK for people to come here until the Red Cross says it is OK," she said, adding that people wanting to help should "Call the Red Cross or wait patiently." \n"So far, people are still in shock," said Ed Van DeSande of the Monroe County Chapter of the Red Cross. \n "The outpouring of people wanting to donate blood is marvelous," Van DeSande said. "Unfortunately, we have had so many people that it has become a problem." \nVan DeSande said it will be more critical for people to donate after these first two weeks. \n"The critical need for blood will be six to eight weeks from now," he said. "So many people have called to make appointments; they will not be able to get appointments for two weeks." \nHe said the Red Cross in Monroe County is getting blood to the sites of the tragedy. \n"The Red Cross has access to military channels and transportation, but we have not needed to use the military to transport blood yet." \nThe Red Cross is not part of the government and gets no tax dollars, and "cash donations are desperately needed." \nTwo mental health workers with the Red Cross have already left for the areas of need, and four more are scheduled to leave by this weekend, Van DeSande said.\nVan DeSande expressed concern for the "devastating" emotional impact this event has had on children in the community, adding that the Red Cross also has pamphlets available to help parents talk to their children about the tragedy. \nTo make a blood donation appointment , call the Red Cross at (812) 331-1300 or the national number at 1-800-GIVE LIFE. To make a cash donation, call (812) 332-7292 or nationally 1-800-HELP NOW.