As the American Red Cross works around the clock supporting those impacted by Hurricane Dorian, providing food, shelter and comfort, blood and platelet donors are urged to give when it’s safe to travel to ensure patients in the storm’s path and around the country have access to lifesaving blood. People can also help by making a financial donation to support relief efforts.

Hurricane Dorian has forced the closure of blood donation centers and the cancellation of blood drives in its path, causing blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. When blood donations are disrupted in a region of the country, the Red Cross is able to move blood donations where they are needed most.

As conditions improve, donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets and replenish the blood supply. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to make a difference in the lives of people impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word DORIAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to  and help people recover from this disaster.

Up-to-date information about how the Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Dorian is available at redcross.org. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Sept. 13: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hinesville Masonic Lodge #271, 933 Elma G. Miles Parkway

Sept. 18: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Richmond Hill United Methodist Church, 9050 Ford Avenue

Sept. 18: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Coastal Electric Cooperative, 1265 S. Coastal Highway in Midway.

Sept. 20: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Liberty County YMCA, 201 Mary Lou Drive

Sept. 20: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., District Attorney's Office, 945 E. G. Miles Pkwy

Oct. 4: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., City of Hinesville, 115 East M.L. King Dr.