FILE - Red Cross volunteer Shelley Smedley loads up a Red Cross van on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Hurricane Ian has left more than 1,000 potential donations uncollected, according to The American Red Cross of Utah. As a result, they are urging Utahns to donate blood to those in need following the natural disaster.
“The Red Cross depends on generous volunteer blood donors every day to provide lifesaving blood for those in need, but especially during times of disaster,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, divisional chief medical officer for the Pacific, Rocky Mountain, and Southwest Divisions of the American Red Cross.
By choosing to give now, you will be helping people in Florida in need of emergency lifesaving care or transfusions for medical treatment, while also helping to boost the future blood supply.”
Dr. Kelley said all Utahns are urged to donate but those with blood type O are especially needed. A person with blood type O is considered a universal donor. They can donate blood to a person of any blood type.
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, allowing them the ability to move donations all across the country.
“The widespread damage left in Hurricane Ian’s wake included blood donation centers, contributing to a blood shortage in the area,” said Heidi Ruster, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region.
“While we don’t typically service hospitals in Florida, the Red Cross of Utah is standing by to provide additional products as needed, supporting industry partners through the AABB Task Force for Disaster Response,” Ruster said.
You can schedule an appointment online, through the Red Cross Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).