Your Blood Donation is Needed Now More Than Ever
The impact of Hurricane Helene is being felt far beyond the six states devastated by its fury. It’s affecting our blood supply.
Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. and the American Red Cross depends on blood drives across the country to provide the pints needed to keep our supply levels safe.
Helene has caused the cancellation of numerous blood drives throughout Georgia and the Carolinas, leading to more than 1,500 blood donations going uncollected. It’s expected that additional blood drives in the Southeast region will be canceled in the coming days.
Bad weather, power outages, and closed roads will keep many donors in the storm’s path away for the immediate future.
Individuals in unaffected areas are urged to give blood and platelets now to help ensure patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood. Trauma patients, babies and new mothers, sickle cell anemia, and cancer patients all rely on your donations daily.
A whole-blood donor can give every 56 days, up to 6 times a year. You must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and you must be in good health and feeling well at the time of your appointment.
Schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org to help restock the shelves.
To make your donation even easier, download the American Red Cross blood donor app. It will not only help you find the nearest donation site; it will allow you to schedule your donation and register and complete your check-in before your appointment with RapidPass.
Blood is not the only way to support the American Red Cross relief efforts for the people affected by Hurricane Helene. Click here to make a secure, direct donation to the American Red Cross. (You can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to donate.)
If you are affected by Hurricane Helene and looking for shelter, food or assistance, download the Red Cross Emergency app or go to www.redcross.org.
If you need help locating or connecting with a loved one separated by Hurricane Helene, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select “Disaster.”
