YNN.com

Syracuse / Oswego / Auburn

Change region

  71º

You are not signed in  |  Sign in here  |  Help

You're viewing a lite version of ynn.com

Time Warner Cable customers: Sign in with your TWC ID for video access.

Get my TWC ID. | Get TWC service. | Read the FAQ.

Links and information mentioned within our newscast can be found within these stories.

Large blood drive held in Syracuse

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- An alarming issue emerging in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Many hospitals in New York City and New Jersey are struggling to find blood.

Monday, a large blood drive was held at the Civic Center in Syracuse. The American Red Cross says more than 100 drives up and down the east coast were canceled because of the storm. More than 3,200 units of blood were lost.

Red Cross volunteers were happy with the big response from Central New Yorkers on Monday.

"It's no surprise to me at all. I've been with the Red Cross for 16 years and whenever disaster strikes, Central New York donors always step up to the plate. They are always willing to come in and donate at a moment's notice," said William Pitts.

If you missed out on Monday’s drive, several more will be scheduled in the coming weeks. You can find information on how to donate by going to the Red Cross' website at www.redcrossblood.org.