Monday, September 17, 2018

Hurricane Florence: Residents Give Back by Giving Blood


by Mauri Shuler, American Red Cross Volunteer

More than 140 blood drives have been canceled in the wake of Hurricane Florence resulting in over 4,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Fortunately, Red Cross blood centers around the nation continue collecting these critical blood products. 

Through the Red Cross national inventory system, the Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to wherever and whenever it is needed most.  In Columbia, South Carolina, Sunday, a dozen residents showed up at the Red Cross to give blood and platelets to help during the current disaster.


Tammy Barnett was born and raised in South Carolina and thinks her donation may be particularly helpful to her neighbors right now.

Frankie Dowey says lying down for two hours for a platelet donation is hard, “but I can be uncomfortable for a little while,” he said, “if I can be of help to someone who is suffering.”  He plans to continue donating once a month.

Ann Schwenker moved from New York 20 years ago and said, “I figured folks definitely would need it now.”  Ann started donating 15 years ago and tries to come to Red Cross at least monthly.

Your blood donation will be transported or stored for use in areas where hospitals need it most.  Ahead of this storm, the Red Cross sent additional blood products to the Southeastern states likely to be hit by the storm and is prepared to send more as needed.

Eligible donors in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to help maintain the nation’s blood supply. There is a critical need for platelet and type O blood donations.  You can make an appointment on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go to Redcrossblood.org on the web, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).



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