WASHINGTON — On a typical day in the southern U.S. states, the Red Cross collects between 1,200 and 1,400 units of blood. But these are not typical days on the Atlantic coasts of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, thanks to Hurricane Matthew.
“We need to, as a nation, backfill that loss of blood product because the needs continue,” said Paul Carden, regional disaster officer for the National Capital Region of the American Red Cross.
He said the Red Cross moved blood into hospitals and depots around the south before Hurricane Matthew hit, but they’ll need to renew those supplies soon.
As many as 21 people were killed by Matthew as the storm roared along the East Coast. Most of those killed were in North Carolina, which is expected to see record flooding through Friday thanks to more than a foot of rain that fell inland.
To help, schedule an appointment at a local donation center by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcross.org to find a nearby blood drive.
Carden also suggested that donors consider giving blood platelets instead of whole blood.
“We take the blood … spin it … take select platelet products out from that process then give you the balance of your blood back. You can donate more often than a volunteer who gives whole blood,” said Carden.
And because of platelets’ versatility, “we can actually help more people with a platelet donation.”
If giving blood isn’t an option, money is always welcome, he said.
“Make a contribution to help folks from this disaster and disasters that occur throughout the day, night and evening throughout the United States.”
The Red Cross is accepting monetary donations through its website.
There are other ways to help areas hit by Hurricane Matthew both here in the United States and in the Caribbean. Find more information here.
