ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The American Red Cross is playing a significant role in the effort to help those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and the organization is calling on the community for help in that effort.
“We're really asking the public to make a renewed effort to step up,” said American Red Cross of Western New York Regional Communications Director Michael Tedesco.
The Red Cross holds blood drives every day. But now there is a renewed sense of urgency driven by the one-two punch of hurricanes Helene and Milton slamming southern states.
“Right now, we're in a unique situation because the southern states have lost so many blood drives through cancellations because of Helen and Milton," Tedesco said. "We've lost thousands of units of blood. And while the supply has gone down, the demand remains the same."
Tedesco says the organization is putting out the call for blood donors.
“So, people who’ve given before and haven't done so in a while, it's a great time to come back," he said. "If they've never donated before, it's a great time to try it for the first time.”
“That’s truly why I came because I heard that this morning and I do have friends and family that are down there,” said blood donor Leslie Daum.
Korey Hagen is also heeding the call and taking time out of his day to donate blood.
“I mean, it's all over social media. It's on your pages. And you're seeing the devastation and everything," Hagen said. "And it might seem like something small to come sit in a chair for a little bit, but that it does make an impact. So, it's great to be here.”
The Red Cross isn't just seeking blood donors. The organization is also putting out the call for volunteers.
“They're working in shelters, they're driving emergency response vehicles and delivering meals to those people who are without power, but maybe not in a shelter," Tedesco said. "So, the sense I get is that there is great need, but there are also a lot of reward in doing what they're doing."
From donating blood, to volunteering in a storm torn area, to donating funds – all options are on the table, because Tedesco says what’s happening now is so severe – help will be needed for some time to come.
“This is not going to be short term," he said. "We're expecting that the need is going to persist well into the new year.”
To donate blood, you can make an appointment online, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by using the Red Cross app.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can visit redcross.org or contact the local office at RecruitWNY@gmail.com.
Donations and be made at redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.
