ATLANTA — Hurricane Idalia hit Florida on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, bringing with it major storm surge and wind damage to the state's Big Bend region, before sweeping through south Georgia.
Efforts are already underway to mobilize relief efforts in Idalia's wake.
If you're interested in helping in those efforts, here's what you can do to provide support to the American Red Cross.
Ways to help American Red Cross Hurricane Idalia relief efforts
There are two big ways you can help.
- Donate to disaster relief
To make a donation, you can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.
- Give blood
The Red Cross notes that Idalia has forced the cancellation of blood drives and donation centers in impacted areas, leaving hundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.
The organization says the need for blood is constant, with a concerning shortfall in donations already presenting a difficulty. The Red Cross asks people in unaffected areas to make and keep blood donation appointments to ensure they can meet the needs of patients whenever and wherever they arise.
You can schedule a blood donation by visiting redcross.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
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