The American Red Cross is leaning on blood donors in other parts of the country to make up for the decline in donations on the East Coast.
Officials say about 300 American Red Cross blood drives have been canceled because of Hurricane Sandy.
"Those who are eligible in areas unaffected by the storm are asked to schedule a blood donation now," the Red Cross stated on its website.
The cancellations resulted in a shortfall of more than 10,700 blood and platelet donations across 14 states.
All blood types are needed. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required.
Multiple local blood drives are scheduled this month, including from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday at Merrillville Blood Donation Center, 791 E. 83rd Ave., Merrillville; from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at two Advance Auto Parts locations, 914 N. Main St. in Crown Point and 7872 E. Ridge Road in Hobart; and from 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at St. John Township Community Center, 1515 Lincoln Highway, Schererville.
Appointments can be scheduled online at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling (800) 733-2767.
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