As the threat of destruction increases with Hurricane Florence, the need for blood in Virginia also increases as numerous blood drives have been canceled in the state.

“The hurricane just highlights that it is a constant need,” said American Red Cross spokeswoman Bernadette Jay. “There is always a need, and it is important to regularly donate so we are prepared before a storm comes.”

The Red Cross has done everything it can at the moment to prepare partners with as much blood supply as they can.

“We pre-position additional blood products in the Southeast that is impacted by the storm and we are prepared to help supply their needs,” said communications director Jonathan McNamara.

September is Preparedness Month, and Jay believes that the storm is the perfect time to remind people that donating blood is not only a lifesaving act but also an act of preparedness.

“We don’t want to be in the situation where someone is in the hospital and needs blood but they can’t (get any) because there isn’t any,” Jay said. “We make sure they are stocked before the storm, and in other areas that aren’t affected we are encouraging them to donate.”

The Red Cross is a national organization, but blood that is donated locally is used locally.

There is a special need for O-negative and O-positive blood donors, according to a Virginia Blood Services press release. There is also a constant demand for platelet donations because platelets only last for five days.

Along with assisting in blood services, the American Red Cross is currently on standby for other services to help with the storm.

“This is a multi-state response, and we are working within our networks to move supplies like cots, blankets, meals and the types of things to stand up a shelter in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina,” McNamara said.

The American Red Cross is prepared for any trajectory that Hurricane Florence may take before it makes landfall, and they are doing so with help from volunteers across the country.

These services are made possible through donations to the American Red Cross.

“People don’t understand that this is possible because of the generosity. The donations are why we are able to move forward without having to wait,” McNamara said.

Financial donations have allowed the American Red Cross to train volunteers and purchase necessary supplies for shelters.

Contributions can be made online at redcross.org or by texting “FLORENCE” to 90999. The text donation will donate $10 to the Red Cross.

McNamara also stressed that volunteers are always needed, and those that wish to participate can do so by signing up on the website.