HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The American Red Cross has opened several shelters across South Carolina for Hurricane Helene and Milton victims, but now they’re calling for blood donors to help.
As of Friday, more than 2,000 blood drives have been canceled in South Carolina’s Upstate and the Asheville area, losing thousands of units of blood. Marnie Hemsing-Pino said she tries to donate platelets at the American Red Cross office in Carolina Forest about every seven days.
“Why? I do it for my mom,” she said. “She had cancer, passed away, and I just want to continue her memory in helping others.”
For those without limitations, platelets can be donated once a week and blood every two months.
“This would help any of your loved ones, your friends, you know, coworkers, anytime there might be a tragedy such as the hurricane,” Hemsing-Pino said.
Meggin Heath with the Red Cross said while taking care of our local hospitals, they’re sending blood to areas impacted by Helene and Milton.
“Upstate, Asheville, and now the west of Florida, so, neighbors to the North,” she said. “Greenville, Asheville, you know, they’re still very close to us, near and dear to us.”