What you need to know
The storm and its aftermath have led to a cancellation of over 100 blood drives in the Southeast, leading to a shortfall of blood and platelet donations needed to help patients with urgent medical care needs, according to the release. The Red Cross operates through national inventory with the ability to move blood around as needed, per the release.
How to help
The American Red Cross is urging people outside of areas affected by Hurricane Helene to donate by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Donation centers are located all over the region and can be found on the organization’s website.
Anyone who comes to give blood, platelets or plasma Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email, according to the release. Additionally, donators will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards.
Another way to support the Red Cross is to volunteer as a blood donor ambassador at blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank donors. Volunteers can also serve as a transportation specialist, delivering blood to nearby hospitals, according to the organization.
Additional details
Donors must bring two forms of ID to check in. Additionally, candidates must meet certain requirements to be allowed to donate, such as:
- Donors must be at least 17 or 16 with parental permission
- Donors must be in generally good health and weigh at least 110 pounds
- Donors cannot have donated blood in the last 56 days
In addition to providing blood products, the American Red Cross aids families affected by disasters, trains people in life-saving skills and provides services to active and veteran U.S. military personnel and their families, according to the organization.
The American Red Cross team is currently on the ground providing food, water, shelter and support to communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, per the release.
