The Red Cross is experiencing a shortage of blood and platelets on the East coast in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Post-storm flooding forced the organization to cancel about 40 blood drives in Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, leaving more than 1,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, according to the report. More blood drive cancellations are expected as flooding continues along the Southeast coast.
The Red Cross reports a critical need for platelets, which bind together to help clot blood. While a healthy body can constantly produce new platelets, critically ill patients often need platelet transfusions. Since platelets must be transfused within five days of the donation, they are always in high demand, according to the report.
The organization urges individuals in areas of the country unaffected by the hurricane to donate blood or platelets as soon as possible to help replenish supplies.
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