The Red Cross has scheduled the following blood drives in the area:

• Thursday, Sept. 8: Three Rivers College, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 9: Three Rivers College, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 10: First United Methodist Church in Dexter, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Last week, the Red Cross moved blood products to areas predicted to be in the path of Hurricane Irene. These products were used to treat patients before, during and after the storm.

However, the need for blood remains constant.

Area residents can make a difference in the aftermath of the storm by donating blood in the coming days and weeks. Donations can help make up for the blood that went uncollected due to blood drive cancellations across the east coast.

Right now, there is an immediate need for blood platelets. Platelets are the fragile cells that control bleeding and can be used by cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. Platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

Anyone who presents to donate blood with the Red Cross Sept. 2-7 (Friday-Wednesday) is automatically entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gas card.

Photo Above: DHS student Darcy Lane prepares to give blood during a Red Cross Blood Drive in Dexter this spring. (SMT file photo)