Blood donations sought ahead of storm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Rhode Island Blood Center is urging residents to donate blood in preparation for the upcoming storm.

There is always a need for blood donations, but with Hurricane Sandy picking up steam , the need becomes increasingly important.

The center tells us that they need up to 280 pints of blood per week to meet patients' needs.

"This is a good time to consider donating blood, so we're encouraging donors to be mindful that in spite of any weather conditions, blood needs continue unabated," said RIBC Communications Manager Frank Prosnitz in a statement. "Our goal is to avoid any blood shortages. We have always been fortunate to have a core of volunteer blood donors who recognize the importance of donating regularly."

Several blood drives have been scheduled across the state this week:

Providence - 405 Promenade St.

• Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Middletown - 688 Aquidneck Ave.

• Tuesday & Thursday: 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Narragansett - 14 Woodruff Ave.

• Monday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Warwick - 615 Greenwich Ave.

• Tuesday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Woonsocket - 2168 Diamond Hill Road, Pavilion Plaza

• Tuesday & Thursday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more information about giving blood, visit the Rhode Island Blood Center's website .