2 from Albion assisting with Red Cross winter storm relief efforts in Massachusetts
Two women from Albion are among the 14 volunteers from the American Red Cross, Western and Central New York Region, who are helping with the winter storm relief efforts currently underway in Massachusetts.
Stacie Barnett and Heather Holley of Albion are assisting with disaster assessment.
The third nor’easter in 10 days is affecting the East Coast, and much of the Western and Central New York Region is experiencing winter weather this week. The Red Cross is urging people to stay safe and is monitoring the storm to respond if needed.
The Red Cross also is urging people to donate blood. Large winter storm systems like these nor’easters can cancel Red Cross blood drives needed to collect lifesaving blood donations for patients in need, the Red Cross said.
In fact, approximately 250 Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled this month due to severe winter weather, resulting in thousands of uncollected blood and platelet donations. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
Donors in areas unaffected by the weather may be helping patients close to home or patients in areas where donors are unable to give because of inclement weather.
Eligible individuals can make an appointment to give by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
