As the American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Florence, providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected, individuals outside the affected areas are urged to help by giving blood or platelets to care for patients in the storm’s path and across the country. People can also help by making a financial donation to support relief efforts.

 Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and also took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. 

 “Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies. Every donation can be a lifeline for patients.”

 Donors of all blood types are urged to help restore hope to patients across the country by making an appointment today to give blood or platelets. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

 Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

In Richmond Hill

Oct. 10: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Georgia Game Changers, 8872 Ford Avenue #207

In Midway

Oct. 11: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Coastal Electric Cooperative, 1265 S. Coastal Highway

At Fort Stewart

Sept. 21: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Logistics Readiness Center, 1624 West 6th Street

In Jesup

Sept. 26: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wayne Memorial Hospital, 865 South First Street

In Hinesville

Sept. 27: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Georgia Southern University -Liberty Center- Bloodmobile, 175 W. Memorial Drive

Oct. 4: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hinesville Masonic Lodge 271 & VA Clinic, 500 E Oglethorpe Hwy

Oct. 11: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., City of Hinesville, 115 East M.L. King Dr.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.