As the American Red Cross responds to wildfires and historic hurricanes, eligible donors are reminded that giving blood or platelets during National Preparedness Month in September.

Hurricane Irma has forced the cancellation of dozens of Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast, resulting in more than 2,100 uncollected blood and platelet donations. People unaffected by the hurricanes are encouraged to give blood or platelets.All blood types are currently needed. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-733-2767.To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and use RapidPass to complete their predonation reading and health history questions online on the day of their donation from a computer or mobile device at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets through Sept. 30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/sport-clips.In Monroe County, blood can be donated at:Blakeslee Community Center, routes 115 and 940, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. ThursdayLehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono, 206 E. Brown St., East Stroudsburg, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,Saturday.