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Red Cross Sends Out Urgent Appeal

The Red Cross is sending out an urgent appeal: If you can travel safely, please consider giving blood today.

Bridgett Tuohey with the Southeast Michigan Red Cross says the storm-ravaged Midwest and East Coast is struggling to stay ahead of its blood donation needs.

This latest storm has just made a bad situation worse.

"We've had to cancel at least seven drives, and many of our drives are operating at less than full capacity," she said.

"We estimate that we've lost over 700 blood donations, and it takes 900 donors every single day to fulfill the needs of forty-three hospitals in Southeast Michigan," Tuohey said.

Those who feel they can travel safely Wednesday are urged to call 1 (800) Red Cross to find a nearby blood donation center.  You can search by zip code at www.redcrossblood.org/.

Get more information about the Red Cross at this link.

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