YORKANA, Pa. — The American Red Cross is working to collect more blood donations, as Hurricane Milton barrels its way towards West Florida.
“The need for blood does not stop, especially in hurricane or other affected areas," said Laura Burke, the executive director of the American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania.
Thousands of people are bracing for another round of storms less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene ravaged communities across the south. Laura Burke said Red Cross officials are currently deploying more volunteers, supplies, and blood to areas in the path of Hurricane Milton.
“We have drivers; we have vehicles. With the use of our vehicles, we are able to get any blood products needed where they need to be in advance," said Burke.
According to the Red Cross, more than 100 blood drives were canceled in areas that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. That prevented the organization from collecting around 2,500 units of blood.
“One unit of blood, or one of those 2,500 units, can impact three patient lives because blood can be separated into three parts," said Burke. "So, there is an exponential effect to having those blood units collected.”
As relief efforts continue over the coming weeks, Red Cross officials are encouraging people across the US to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Burke said the donations will help keep the blood supply stable as emergency management agencies work to help those impacted by the storm.
“The core of our mission is to alleviate human suffering," said Burke. "So if that’s what we can do to with replenishing the blood supply, we’re going to put all of our efforts behind it.”
Anyone interested in donating can schedule an appointment on the American Red Cross website.