Media Contact: Katie Zwerk
404-323-3923 | katie.zwerk@redcross.org

GEORGIA, October 24, 2024 — Sunday will mark one month since Hurricane Helene devastated a large swatch of the Southeast, including Georgia. Since our efforts in Georgia began, the Red Cross has been coordinating relief services with local emergency management officials and community partners across the state. Together, we had provided over 7,000 overnight stays for people in Georgia seeking refuge after the storm, including one remaining shelter that is open. Also, here in Georgia with the help of our partners, we have served more than 335,000 meals to those in need.

During the last four weeks, over 2,200 disaster trained workers across the Southeast have been working tirelessly to deliver on our mission to help alleviate human suffering following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. There are currently more than 100 trained disaster responders working in Georgia to deliver that comfort and care.

Trained Red Crossers are also on the ground to provide emotional support, spiritual care, mental health services, basic health services and help replacing items such as eyeglasses and prescription medications.

Affected communities are facing different struggles, and the timeline for recovery and what support they need will be different. While the current focus is on addressing the immediate needs of those affected, the Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. Red Crossers and community partners have also been providing emergency relief items, including cleanup kits, comfort kits, and other supplies. To date, the Red Cross has delivered over 19,000 emergency supplies to Georgia communities.

HOW YOU CAN HELP People affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton need urgent help now, and we can’t do this alone. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a donation.

If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

DONATE BLOOD The Red Cross is working to restock critically needed blood products after the cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast, causing thousands of donations to go uncollected. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves.
 

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.