Superstorm Sandy causes American Red Cross to cancel hundreds of blood drives

The American Red Cross is seeking blood donors after superstorm Sandy caused the organization to cancel more than 900 blood drives on the East Coast.

Brian Gomez with the American Red Cross said the organization is losing roughly 27,000 units of blood as a result. 

The holidays are usually a slow time for donations, so we need people to donate now, Gomez said.

The Red Cross held a blood drive at A.T. Still University, in Mesa, Monday.

Nearly 50 people signed up to give blood.

Desanne Gonsalves, a student at ATSU, was the first one scheduled. 

"I have family in Queens," she said about her desire to donate.

Residents in New York and New Jersey are still in recovery after the storm barreled through.

ABC News reported more than a million people are still without power in the tri-state area and already bracing for a nor'easter to hit the region this week. 

There doesn't appear to be a shortage right now, but Gomez said it's important to have a steady supply just in case. The Red Cross is asking for all blood types. 

United Blood Services, one of Arizona's largest suppliers, said they have not been asked to assist storm-ravaged areas but are ready if needed. 

UBS said O-negative donors are most needed. O-negative is the universal blood type.

To learn more about making a donation, you can visit redcrossblood.org or unitedbloodservices.org.