MILWAUKEE — Hundreds of trained American Red Cross disaster workers are helping 24-7 across several states to support people facing the massive destruction left behind by Hurricane Ian.
“People’s lives were turned upside down by this massive storm,” said Mark Thomas, CEO and Regional Executive for the Red Cross of Wisconsin. “They need your help now. Please consider making a donation to help people affected by disasters, giving blood or becoming a Red Cross volunteer today.”
The Red Cross and its partners are responding in areas impacted by Ian, providing food, shelter and comfort. Communities are under water, homes have been swept from their foundations and many have lost everything. Shelters are open in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia for those who need a safe place to stay. Saturday night, more than 3,400 people sought refuge in as many as 39 Red Cross and partner shelters across Florida.
On Sunday, dozens of Red Cross emergency response vehicles were in Florida circulating in some of the hardest hit areas delivering tens of thousands of ready-to-eat meals and clean-up supplies where it is safe to do so. They will reach more neighborhoods every day as roads become passable. More than 1,400 trained Red Cross disaster workers are supporting relief efforts in Florida and hundreds more are helping across five other states from Georgia to Virginia. With the help of partners, they have provided more than 41,000 meals and snacks to people in need. Locally more than 30 Wisconsin disaster volunteers are deployed in Florida and more will be deployed in the weeks and months ahead.
Over the last several days, dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled dozens of blood drives with approximately 1,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. Additional blood drive cancellations are expected in the Southeast over the coming week and fewer donors are likely to come out to donate at drives in and around affected areas due to poor weather conditions. Individuals in unaffected areas — especially those with type O blood types — are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood.
How you can help: Make a donation
The American Red Cross will be working side-by-side with its partners to help people in need for weeks and months to come. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN 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.
Give blood
Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Volunteer
Review the Red Cross’s most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
Upcoming local blood drives:
Green County
Monroe: 10/13/2022: 12 p.m. — 6 p.m., Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave
Monticello: 10/21/2022: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m., Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E Lake Ave
Lafayette County
Blanchardville: 10/17/2022: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m., American Legion, 218 Mason
Darlington: 10/18/2022: 12:30 p.m. — 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 1400 Keep St
