Ashley Fairchild (Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the AZ, NM & El Paso Region) and James “Jim” Anderson (Red Cross Volunteer in Phoenix) felt compelled to donate blood at a drive held in the Greater Phoenix Chapter office ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
As Hurricane Dorian moves north, blood donations are needed to ensure hospital shelves remain stocked with lifesaving blood for patients in need. To date, this powerful storm has already forced the cancellation of nearly 50 Red Cross blood drives and donation centers in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina resulting in more than 1,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
To help those battling injury and illness, eligible individuals in parts of the country unaffected by the storm are urged to roll up a sleeve and give blood and platelets today.
Urgent need for blood during disaster
Right now, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations following a summer shortage. It is expected that fewer donors will come out to donate at drives in and around affected areas due to poor weather conditions.
The Red Cross strives to always keep a sufficient blood supply on hand to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies of all types.
Additionally, through a national inventory system, the Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to wherever and whenever it is needed most. To assist local blood centers in Florida, the Red Cross has sent approximately 350 blood products to ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood as hurricane warnings and evacuations keep many from giving.
This hurricane season patients in need will rely on the generosity of blood donors in the wake of disaster.
Please schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.
Blood donation information
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
