In 2021, people in Kentucky and Southern Indiana and across the country faced great emergency needs as the ongoing pandemic exacerbated the challenges related to severe
disasters, blood shortages and global conflict.
“Our most vulnerable neighbors are facing unique and pressing struggles when crisis strikes on top of COVID-19,”
Steve Cunanan, CEO, Red Cross Kentucky Region said. “This holiday season, join us to provide help and hope in
these difficult moments by making a financial donation or by giving blood or platelets.”
On Giving Tuesday and during the holidays, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets. Individuals can also learn about volunteer opportunities in their area and give back in honor of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, whose 200th birthday will be
commemorated on December 25.
RELENTLESS DISASTERS COMPOUND COVID-19 STRUGGLES
2021 marked one of the country’s most
active years for severe weather — which battered many communities still reeling from last year’s disasters. For
thousands of people in need, the Red Cross launched a new major relief effort every 11 days to provide refuge,
food and care.
This year, a family displaced by a disaster in the U.S. spent an average of nearly 30 days in a Red Cross-supported emergency shelter. These extended stays were largely due to a lack of savings and community housing shortages — signs that climate-driven disasters are compounding the financial hardships of the
pandemic.
GLOBAL CONFLICT CREATES MASS NEEDS FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES
Around the world, massivehumanitarian needs emerged in 2021 for a growing number of families displaced by the overlapping challenges of conflict, COVID-19 and climate change.
This year, at the request of federal government partners, Red Cross workers from Kentucky and across the country distributed more than 2.1 million essential items — like
blankets, diapers, medicine and toys — for Afghan evacuees arriving on U.S. military bases and unaccompanied
children seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
COVID-19 STRAINS BLOOD SUPPLY FOR PATIENTS
To meet the increasing needs of hospital patients, the
Red Cross distributed 250,000 more blood products in 2021 than last year, until the delta variant began to
spread in August.
The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year — one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients. Locally, the Red Cross Kentucky Region has experienced a 15%
decrease in new blood donors this year.
As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest
blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. Blood donations are desperately needed now to meet
the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving
treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
All those who come to give Nov. 29-Dec.16 will automatically be entered for the chance to win a private screening
for the winner and 50 of their guests of the epic new film The Matrix Resurrections. Plus, those who come to give
Nov. 29-Dec. 16 will also get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.*
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 22-Dec. 16
Bass Pro Shops, 951 Lewis and Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN 47129
11/24/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.,
Clark County Community Drive-Knights of Columbus, 225 E. Market, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
11/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
12/6/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Clark Memorial Hospital, 1220 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Dr. Black’s Eye Associates, 1407 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130
12/14/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Knights of Columbus New Albany, 809 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 47150
11/22/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
12/6/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kroger, 200 New Albany Plaza, New Albany, IN 47150
11/26/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Lafayette Township Fire Department, 4002 Scottsville Road, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
12/3/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
One Community Church, 1810 Blackiston Mill Road, Clarksville, IN 47129
12/16/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Locally, there will be a blood drive at the Washington County Family YMCA on Dec. 10 from Noon to 5p.
There will be another event planned for January 7 at the First Christian Church in Salem from 1-7p.
