Every drop counts as the Red Cross pleads for blood donations

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Helene, and now Milton, were not the hurricanes of years gone by.

They were just what scientists predicted due to warmer seas and just what the Red Cross prepared for.

“We cannot ignore the climate crisis ,” said Kristopher Dumschat, public affairs manager for disaster response for the Red Cross in a Zoom interview from Florida. “We see strong storms faster storms the rapid intensification of hurricanes.”

As rescue operations continue, more than 2,500 blood drives have been canceled, and donation centers have been destroyed or damaged. The Red Cross is calling on the people of Hampton Roads to donate from the heart.

“We want to make sure our blood supply is available to any hospital systems that we work with,” Dumschat said.

Every drop counts.

According to the Red Cross, one sickle patient could require eight units of blood. A single auto crash victim could require 100 units of blood.

“If somebody is healthy and able to, they can always roll up a sleeve to donate that life-saving blood, and that will help impact and help the communities down here,” Dumschat said.

Blood donation locations near your home or office are easy to find. Just enter your zip code on the Red Cross website.

“Even if you are not in an impacted area,” Dumschat said, “you can still help out by giving blood by volunteering your time, joining the Red Cross, or by making a donation.”

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