Hurricane Michael has pummeled Florida and Georgia causing severe damage and is being hailed as the third-most powerful hurricane ever to make landfall in the U.S. The storm claimed the lives of 11 people and officials are worried that the death toll could rise.
Various organizations across Mississippi have sent people to help with the disaster recovery efforts, but for Mississippians staying home, there are still some ways to help.
The American Red Cross is asking for individuals to donate their blood and platelets to ensure that there is a sufficient blood supply. Currently, there is a critical shortage and with the additional influx of potential patients at hospitals, the Red Cross is taking steps to be prepared.
They have already pre-positioned additional blood products and stocked many hospitals to capacity in areas of the Southeast likely to be impacted by the storm over the upcoming days and are prepared to send more blood products to ensure that patient needs continue to be met.
“We encourage eligible donors in parts of the country unaffected by the storm to give blood or platelets to help ensure a sufficient blood supply,” said a release from the American Red Cross. “Some Red Cross blood drives have already been canceled and additional cancellations are expected in the Southeast in the days ahead. Platelet and type O blood donations are especially needed right now.
Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
