Please, everyone who wants to donate, no matter where you live: call your local donation center before you go, and make an appointment. This way you can be sure you can donate and help. Many cities are extending hours and setting up extra donation centers.
Also, for those of you who cannot donate blood, for whatever reason, many of the local blood donation centers are in need of volunteers to help answer the phones, due to the overwhelming response. This is a way you could help.
Let me again add my voice to the plea for donors. Minneapolis/St. Paul shipped one thousand units of blood to NYC last night on a special flight. Many other cities and communities will be sending blood to New York, D.C., New Jersey, etc. Your blood is needed to help the victims on the East Coast, and to replenish local stores. Please help in any way you can. Donating blood has no risk to you, and you can literally help save lives.
Thank you very much.
Kyra