Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 4, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is partnering with Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company in the month-long “Together We Give” blood drive campaign, designed to bolster the nation’s blood supply along with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Florida.
Allegiant has employees in communities throughout the hardest hit areas of Florida, according to John Redmond, Allegiant's CEO. Through partnering with the American Red Cross, Allegiant hopes to give employees, customers, and their families a variety of ways to contribute to relief efforts in the region, including life-saving blood donation, Redmond said. The airline has set a goal of reaching 1,500 blood donations nationwide by the end of November.
Allegiant and the Red Cross want to make sure those still grappling with the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian have not been forgotten, said Redmond. "We know first-hand from our team members in Florida that disaster relief initiatives need to continue,” he said. “We want to provide help in the most impactful way and hope travelers nationwide will find a local blood drive and donate."
The Red Cross urges everyone – especially those with type O blood – to give now. “We depend on generous people every day to provide lifesaving blood, but especially during times of disaster,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “By giving now, you are helping people in Florida in need of emergency lifesaving care or transfusions for medical treatment, while also boosting the future blood supply for everyone.”
More than a month after Hurricane Ian devastated large areas of Florida, hundreds of people remain in shelters and thousands more are depending on the Red Cross and other organizations for food, water, and support, said Flanigan. “More than 2,700 Red Crossers have supported Hurricane Ian relief efforts so far,” she said. “With the help of our partners, we have provided some 1.6 million meals and snacks and 404,000 relief items, such as cleaning supplies and comfort kits.”
Allegiant has long partnered with the American Red Cross to assist communities impacted by natural disasters and crises, according to the non-profit. “Last month, the airline gave $100,000 in support of our Hurricane Ian relief efforts,” Flanigan reported. “Over the years, Allegiant has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the American Red Cross, and we are honored to partner with them for this month-long blood drive effort.”
Sign up at the Allegiant sponsor page to schedule a Red Cross blood donation today.
More ways to support Red Cross relief efforts in Florida and nationwide
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.