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In 2024, extreme weather mounted an overwhelming toll on North Carolinians, many of whom relied on the American Red Cross for relief. 

This past September, Hurricane Helene devastated communities, causing massive property and infrastructure damage, widespread water and power outages, extensive flooding, and tragic loss of life. To help, over 2,000 Red Cross volunteers from the region and across the U.S. have been part of teams responding nonstop to provide shelter, food, and other assistance to the tens of thousands of people still reeling from Helene.

“My heart goes out to families and communities all over North Carolina who have been impacted by disasters big and small,” said Allison Taylor, Regional CEO of Red Cross North Carolina Region, who is currently deployed to Asheville for Hurricane Helene recovery. “I have seen first-hand the heartbreaking devastation that Helene has caused, and I have also seen the inspiring resilience of individuals and communities, along with the hope that Red Cross volunteers bring. 

“Whether a crisis happens in our backyard or a community across the country, neighbors are counting on us to help ensure they don’t face it alone. Please join us by making a donation of any size or rolling up a sleeve to give blood or platelets.” 

Nationally, the scope of disasters increased this year’s demand for necessities like food and emergency lodging, exceeding the annual average for the past five years. In fact, this year’s more than 7 million meals and snacks served by Red Cross volunteers nearly tripled that average. 

Locally, this included the impacts of Hurricane Helene in the American Red Cross North Carolina region. Over 2,000 Red Cross disaster responders provided comfort and care to displaced individuals and families. Additionally, the Red Cross has provided nearly 25,000 overnight shelter stays and nearly 2 million meals and snacks to displaced families and individuals with the help of partners. 

Millions of blood donors nationwide, including in the North Carolina region, helped overcome a significant number of blood drive cancellations due to the country’s severe weather and heat, including over 100 drives as a result of Hurricane Helene. The Red Cross helped ensure patients continued accessing lifesaving treatment by pre-positioning blood products near areas likely to be impacted by Helene.

To celebrate 30 years of FRIENDS, all who give blood or platelets through December 8 will receive two pairs of custom FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, while supplies last, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. See RedCrossBlood.org/Friends for details. 

 

Submitted by Sharonne Hayes