Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

In the days before Hurricane Ian blasted the state of Florida with heavy winds and rain, the American Red Cross-Michigan Region was already preparing volunteers to travel to Florida to help with the emergency response. So far, the American Red Cross-Michigan Region has sent more than 30 volunteers and five emergency response vehicles to assist those impacted by the hurricane. "Historically, the Michigan Region of the Red Cross has been a leader in coordinating volunteer deployments where the need is most," said Darwin K. Roche, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of Michigan. "Our volunteers are stepping up once again to meet that need in communities in the path of Hurricane Ian. We're grateful to our Michigan volunteers who will be providing support to our disaster relief efforts."

By Wednesday night, September 28, more than 33.000 people had sought refuge in approximately 260 evacuation shelter across Florida to escape Hurricane Ian's impact and that number is expected to increase. The Red Cross is working with an entire emergency response community made up of government agencies, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, area businesses, and others. Roughly 730 trained Red Cross disaster workers are already supporting relief efforts in Florida and more disaster workers are on the way from around the country. The Red Cross is supplying cots, blankets, comfort kits, medical relief supplies, and several hundred blood products to ensure blood remains available for patients in areas impacted by the storm.

Ian continued on a path north, eventually making a second landfall two days laternear Georgetown, South Carolina. In anticipation of the storm's path, the Red Cross had set up additional Disaster Relief Operations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama. "Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by Hurricane Ian's devastation," said Mary Lynn Foster, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross-Michigan Region. "The American Red Cross and our partners are working around the clock across multiple states to provide help as people deal with the storm's catastrophic aftermath."

You can assist the Red Cross in its disaster relief efforts with a cash donation or by giving blood, which will be urgently needed in areas affected by the storm. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled and the Red Cross anticipates a need for blood donations as blood drives in the southeast are expected to be cancelled as more communities confront dangerous weather conditions.You can schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting http://www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-8-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767.) Please visit http://www.redcross.org , call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation to disaster relief.