COLUMBUS — As the American Red Cross works around the clock supporting those impacted by Hurricane Dorian, providing food, shelter and comfort, individuals outside the affected areas are urged to help by giving blood or platelets to ensure patients in the storm’s path and around the country have access to lifesaving blood.

People can also help by making a financial donation to support relief efforts.

Hurricane Dorian has forced the closure of blood donation centers and the cancellation of blood drives in its path, causing blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. When blood donations are disrupted in a region of the country, the Red Cross is able to move blood donations where they are needed most.

How to help

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to ensure a sufficient supply for patients. Type O and B blood donors are especially needed. Make an appointment to donate blood now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to make a difference in the lives of people impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word DORIAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

Up-to-date information about how the Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Dorian is available at redcross.org. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 9 to 30:

Knox County

Fredericktown

9/17/2019: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fredericktown High School, 111 Stadium Drive

9/17/2019: 3 to 9 p.m., Batemantown Methodist Church, 7669 Yankee Street

9/19/2019: 1 to 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 17 South Main

Howard

9/18/2019: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., East Knox High School, 23227 Coshocton Road

Mount Vernon

9/17/2019: 1 to 6 p.m., Gay Street United Methodist Church, 18 N. Gay Street

9/18/2019: 2 to 7 p.m., Knox Community Hospital, 1330 Coshocton Avenue

9/19/2019: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Moose Lodge, 417 W. High Street

Richland County

Butler

9/27/2019: 3 to 9 p.m., Mohican Wood Products, 20460 Nunda

Mansfield

9/11/2019: 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall

9/14/2019: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1951 Middle-Bellville Road

9/15/2019: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall

9/18/2019: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Peter’s High School, 111 West First Street

9/18/2019: 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall

9/19/2019: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mansfield Association of Realtors, 1101 Lexington Ave

9/20/2019: Noon to 5 p.m., OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, 335 Glessner Ave

9/24/2019: Noon to 5 p.m., Berean Baptist, 2145 Middle Bellville Road

9/24/2019: 1 to 6 p.m., Crossroads Community Church, 1188 Park Ave West

9/25/2019: 1 to 7 p.m., Richland Mall RSMO, 2209 Richland Mall.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.