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WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE BLOOD IN THE WAKE OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Following the recent hurricanes, blood donations are urgently needed. Here's why your help matters.

By Stephanie Freeman, MK Dallas-Hiram-Acworth Editor & Publisher and Becky Samford, Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, Johns Creek & Peachtree Corners MK Editor & Publisher October 14, 2024

In times of crisis, we often feel a deep desire to help, to do something—anything—that can ease the suffering of those affected. Right now, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, there’s one essential thing money can’t buy: blood.

Those who are injured throughout the Southeast need blood, and rescue missions are ongoing. This is when communities pull together, and we can make a life-saving impact. If you are eligible to donate blood, now is the time to act.

I’ll be honest: I’ve never donated blood before, and I know I should have. But now, it’s time for me to step up. I’m scheduled to donate this Wednesday, and though needles are definitely not my favorite, I know that the brief discomfort is worth it to potentially save a life.

Think about it: children, parents, families, and friends are relying on us. This is more than just an opportunity; it’s our chance to give back in a meaningful way. I’ve come to realize that taking an hour out of my day is a small sacrifice compared to what’s on the line—someone’s health, someone’s life.

If you’ve never donated before, I get it. It feels intimidating, but we can do this together. If you’ve donated before, you know firsthand how simple yet powerful this act can be. I’m encouraging you, my fellow neighbors, parents, and community members, to join me in giving blood. The need is greater than ever.

Where to Donate Blood

There are many places and times you can give, right here in our area:




American Red Cross Cobb Blood Donation Centers:
They accept donations nearly every day, and you can check specific times at redcrossblood.org.

  • Duluth Blood Donation Center, 3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500
  • Alpharetta Blood Donation Center, 3000 Old Alabama RD, Suite 110

Local Blood Drives via Red Cross:

Wednesday, October 16:

  • The Father's House, 6060 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
  • Winters Chapel United Methodist Church, 5105 Winters Chapel Rd
  • Midway United Methodist Church, 5025 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta

Thursday, October 17:

  • Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, 3700 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
  • MorningView Clubhouse, 3355 Westbrook Road, Suwanee
  • The University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus, 2530 Sever Road, Lawrenceville

Friday, October 18:

  • Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt Vernon Road, Atlanta, GA

Saturday, October 19:

  • McKendree United Methodist Church, 1570 Lawrenceville - Suwannee Road

Monday, October 21:

  • Christ The King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross

Tuesday, October 22:

  • Viasat Inc, 1725 Breckinridge Plaza, Duluth

Thursday, October 24:

  • Alpharetta Blood Donation Center, 3000 Old Alabama RD, Suite 110, Alpharetta
  • Holbrook, 5135 W Broad St NE, Buford

Friday, October 25:

  • Innovation Academy, 125 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta
  • Mercer University - Chamblee, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta

Find more dates near you at redcrossblood.org.

Your Donation Makes a Difference

It only takes an hour, and your donation can help someone fighting for their life. Whether it’s a trauma victim, a child battling cancer, or a mother who just gave birth, your blood can give them a second chance. We can’t control when a disaster will strike, but we can control how we respond. Let's be the helpers in this critical time.

This article was created with a little help from ChatGPT, an AI tool by OpenAI.