Urgent call for blood donors in response to storms

Blood supply depleted due to canceled drives

October 4, 2024. Asheville, North Carolina. Red Cross volunteer Richard Kimball delivers a box of meals ready to eat (MRE) and water to residents of a small neighborhood in Asheville, North Carolina whose homes remain without electricity after Hurricane Helene swept through several Southern states. (Scott Dalton/American Red Cross)

The American Red Cross is urging blood donors outside of areas affected by Hurricane Helene to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible to help replenish the blood supply. The storm and its aftermath have forced the cancellation of over 100 blood drives, resulting in thousands of uncollected blood and platelet donations.

According to Red Cross officials, the critical need for blood products persists as the organization continues to provide vital relief, including food, water, shelter, and support, in communities devastated by the hurricane.

Donors can schedule an appointment to give blood at several upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives in the area:

* Clarkesville: October 23, from 11 AM to 3 p.m. at North Georgia Technical College

* Dahlonega: October 23, from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at Lumpkin County Parks and Recreation

* Cleveland: October 24, from 10 AM until 3 p.m. at Cleveland First Baptist Church

* Demorest: October 29, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at Piedmont University

To find other blood drives in the area, call 1-800-Red Cross.