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Why You Should Donate Blood in the Wake of Natural Disasters

After Hurricane Helene, blood donations are urgently needed. Here's why your help matters.

By Stephanie Freeman, Editor & Publisher September 30, 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, 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 Center

  • East Lake Shopping Center, 2145 Roswell Road Suite 250, Marietta, GA 30062

They accept donations nearly every day, and you can check specific times at redcrossblood.org.

Local Blood Drives via Red Cross:

  • October 1 at WellStar East Cobb Health Park
  • October 7 at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church
  • October 8 at Ward Recreation Center
  • October 10 at Burnt Hickory Church of Christ, Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, and Brookstone 1
  • October 15 at Freedom Church and Mount Zion United Methodist Church Marietta
  • October 17 at St. Paul UMC and GreyStone Power Corporation
  • October 18 at Lost Mountain Baptist Church, Georgia Fitness, WellStar Paulding Hospital
  • October 19 at Zion Baptist Church
  • October 21 at Marietta First United Methodist Church
  • October 23 at Legacy Park and Baker Elementary School
  • October 24 at Legacy Park
  • October 25 at Powder Springs First United Methodist Church
  • October 28 at North Cobb Regional Library

Find a drive near you at redcrossblood.org.



Blood Assurance:

  • October 6 at Hiram Seventh-day Adventist Church
  • October 31 at Soleil at Laurel Canyon
  • October 30 at Rockmart High School
  • Multiple dates available at their Cartersville donor center:
    • 334 Cherokee Place, Cartersville, GA 30121
      • Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more details, visit Blood Assurance.



LifeSouth Community Blood Centers:

  • October 2 at The Avenue West Cobb (Dallas Hwy, Marietta)
  • October 14 at West Cobb County VA Clinic (Midway Rd, Marietta)
  • October 7 at MJCCA Sunshine School (Old Canton Rd, Marietta)
  • October 20 at Temple Kol Emeth (Old Canton Road, Marietta)

You can find more information at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

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.