DETROIT (Nov. 20, 2023) – In 2023, extreme weather events took a devastating toll on people in the U.S. who turned to the American Red Cross for help coping with  a record number of billion-dollar disasters. In Michigan, powerful winter and summer storms damaged homes, caused massive power outages and major flooding, while drought conditions led to a wildfire that prompted evacuations and closed a five-mile stretch of I-75.  

So far this year, an all-time high of 25 billion-dollar disasters ravaged communities across the country. In addition, the country experienced the hottest summer on record. And back-to-back disasters led to a series of blood drive cancellations, which further strained the national Red Cross blood supply that was already dwindling from summer travel and back-to-school activities.

“The frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events are causing more humanitarian needs for families in Michigan and across the country,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “This holiday season, please remember those who need support in the face of emergencies – and join us to provide care and comfort by making a financial donation or by giving blood.”

On GivingTuesday, Nov. 28, and during the holidays, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or make an appointment to give blood. Individuals can also  register for Red Cross volunteer opportunities in their area.

INCREASING SUPPORT AMID EXTREME DISASTERS

With the growing frequency and intensity of disasters driven by the climate crisis, the Red Cross is racing to
adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country. As part of this national work in 2023, the Red Cross distributed $108 million
in financial assistance directly to people after disasters of all sizes.

While Michigan hasn’t experienced major national disasters seen in other parts of the country, severe weather events are intensifying in the state. Most notable:

· In August, seven tornadoes were confirmed as part of severe storms powered by heavy rain and high winds, causing flooding, damaging homes and leaving thousands without power.

· In June, a wildfire burned 3,600 acres in Northern Michigan, the same month Michigan recorded its fifth driest June on record. The wildfire prompted evacuations and closed a five-mile stretch of I-75. Muskegon had its third driest month in June in 124
years; the city of Hastings, southeast of Grand Rapids, had its driest June in 120 years.

· In February, a rare ice and rainstorm caused a massive power outage to roughly 700,000 homes and businesses across the state. Power was out for days.

· Nationally, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Most of them are home fires. When a fire occurs a Red Cross Disaster Action Team and trained casework specialists respond to provide assistance, comfort and care. This year to date, the Red Cross in Michigan has responded to more than 1,660 home fires across the state.  Additionally, the Red Cross has installed for free more than 5,300 smoke alarms in homes throughout Michigan so far this year and made more than 2,100 homes safer as a result.

RESPONDING TO ADDITIONAL EMERGING NEEDS

Beyond extreme weather events, people stepped up through the Red Cross to address other emerging needs for communities, including:

· BLOOD DONATIONS: As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is grateful for the millions of donors who rolled up a sleeve throughout the year for patients in need. To further improve people’s health outcomes, the Red Cross has been working with community partners to introduce blood donation to a new and more diverse generation of blood donors — which is critical to ensuring that a reliable blood supply is available to the 1 in 7 hospital patients who need a lifesaving blood transfusion. The holidays can be a challenging time to collect enough blood for those in need. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thank-you, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Dec. 1-17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Terms apply. See rcblood.org/Amazon.

· MILITARY FAMILIES: Red Cross workers helped service members on U.S. military installations and deployment sites worldwide — including in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. As part of our support this year, Anthony Lesterson of the Red Cross in Michigan was among staff and volunteers who delivered emergency communications messages connecting more than 87,000 service members with their loved ones during times of family need, while also engaging members in morale and wellness activities during deployments. Lesterson recently returned from a months-long deployment in Eastern Europe.

ABOUT OUR REGIONAL HOLIDAY SUPPORTERS

The Red Cross Michigan Region is grateful for  corporate partners like OnStar who contribute to our Holiday Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of OnStar and other supporters, the Red Cross is able to bring help and hope to people in need.

The Red Cross Michigan Region has highlighted a series of memorable stories in its Year-In-Review of how volunteers, employees and donors are making a difference.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

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 visit us on
Twitter at @RedCross.