PARKERSBURG — The American Red Cross is tirelessly helping people impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Many communities are unrecognizable after the storm, and more than 1,500 Red Cross volunteers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are helping those affected and will continue to do so for weeks and months to come.
“People’s lives were turned upside down by this massive storm,” said Erica Mani, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross. “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 American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region serves 77 counties including all of West Virginia and surrounding counties in Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland and Virginia.
About 30 local Red Cross workers deployed including 23 in Florida with nine of those on the ground before the storm hit, three responders in California, as well as one in Alaska and one in Puerto Rico to help recovery efforts from disasters there.
More than 80 Red Cross emergency response vehicles are on the roads delivering tens of thousands of meals and relief supplies including four from the Central Appalachia Region. Disaster aid stations are open where people can get food and relief supplies, and trained volunteers are providing health and mental health support to families who have suffered unimaginable loss.
Emergency shelters are open to give people a safe place to rest. On Monday night, nearly 2,600 people sought refuge in more than 20 Red Cross and partner shelters across Florida.
Trained Red Cross volunteers also are helping families cope during this challenging time and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs. On Monday, 60,000 meals were provided. With the help of the Southern Baptist Convention, several mobile kitchens are cooking tens of thousands of hot meals each day.
Dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled dozens of blood drives with about 1,000 lifesaving blood and platelet donations uncollected.
Individuals who live in areas unaffected by Hurricane Ian — especially those with type O blood — are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood.
∫ Making a donation. 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. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters. 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. A significant impact can be made as a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteer positions can be reviewed at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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