American Red Cross Assisting Those Affected by Deadly Tornadoes Over the Weekend
A tornado hit multiple locations this past weekend leaving many homes destroyed and families injured. They are calling it the Quad-State Tornado.
With many patients in the hospital due with injuries, the American Red Cross is taking action by donating blood to these hospitals.
Ron Cook, the Executive Director of the East Central Ohio American Red Cross Chapter, said so far they have shipped about 200 extra units of blood to various hospitals.
“So we need donors, blood donors, to step up to help us recuperate those units of blood and to be able to donate blood, very very simple, you can call 1-800-REDCROSS to schedule an appointment or you can go on your smartphone and go out, and just download the Red Cross Blood Donor app and you can see where a local blood drive is and sign up to donate blood that way, but we really need help with replenishing our blood inventories,” Cook stated.
Other than donating blood, people can also submit monetary donations through the Red Cross webpage, mail a donate to the local office or text “REDCROSS” to 90999.
Cook explained how it is their goal to start taking care of the victims affected by the tornados. He shared how the Red Cross has been taking action since the tornado’s hit.
“Immediately, beginning Saturday morning, early in the morning, some of the things we do, with any disaster, is make sure that the immediate basic needs are taken care of,” Cook said. “Things like shelter, food, clothing, water, etc. so we’ve begun opening up shelter’s Saturday morning for folks to be able to go and have a safe place to go.”
Once the victims are at shelter, they are provided food and water and then they are able to provide other services like health needs and more.
On behalf of the American Red Cross, Cook extended their condolences to the families who lost someone during this devastating event and encouraged those who are looking to help by becoming a volunteer, and filling out an application at redcross.org under volunteer.
