COLUMBUS, Ohio — As communities continue to recover from Hurricane Helene and now assess damage from Hurricane Milton, Ohioans are hoping to lend a helping hand.

What You Need To Know

  • The American Red Cross asks people to donate blood to prevent a national shortage

  • The Red Cross will send transportation efforts for volunteers and emergency vehicles to Florida

  • You can find donation opportunities through the Red Cross and United Way website

Ohioans are no strangers to answering the call in times of need. The Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross said that they already have dozens of volunteers to North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. 

While physically volunteering is great, the Red Cross said that it is not the only way to help. Monetary donations are always welcomed. 

Organizations like the Red Cross and United Way send thousands of people to disaster zones along with emergency equipment. This can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in transportation efforts and donations contribute toward those efforts. 

People are also encouraged to give blood. The country is currently recouping from a blood shortage and natural disasters not only disrupt the opportunity for blood drives, but increase the need for emergency blood. Jim McIntyre from the Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross said that big disasters can drastically weaken the nation’s blood supply. 

“So many people who have been unable to donate blood in the southeast due to the damage done by Hurricane Helene and the damage by Hurricane Milton, we really need to have people step up in areas that are not affected to donate blood,” said McIntyre. “Roll up a sleeve, give a pint of blood so that we can keep the blood supply stable.”

If you are interested in giving blood, donating money or volunteering, you can visit the American Red Cross the United Way websites to figure out how you can help the communities in need. 

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