AMERICAN RED CROSS

Donating blood can save up to three lives, and can take less than an hour.

Cleanup is underway after Hurricane Idalia, after the powerful storm pummeled through Georgia and the Carolinas after slamming Florida’s Big Bend Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.

The American Red Cross is asking for more people to donate blood this summer.

Good morning! Grab your coffee and check out the Morning Sprint for stories that’ll lift your spirits.

A deadly tornado practically destroyed the small town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi and the surrounding areas, killing dozens and leaving a community in need of help.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated a long-running pattern in giving by foundations and charities for health and natural disasters, a new Chronicle analysis of nine years of data show.

A powerful storm system took aim at the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, spawning a tornado that caused damage east of Houston.

Food Lion Feeds joined forces with Food Lion customers to donate $66,000 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief after Hurricane Ian.

Organizers say they planned the blood drive months ago, but the time of it being right after Hurricane Ian makes it even more important.

Firehouse Subs will be collecting funds on Tuesday (Oct. 4) to help communities recover in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

The Red Cross of Virginia is deploying volunteers to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Hundreds of miles away, crews in Virginia are preparing to deploy to Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian’s landfall.

Food Lion Feeds joined customers in donating $96,000 to the American Red Cross in support of Kentucky flood relief, according to a Food Lion press release.

Forget the dishes and focus on spending quality time with your family during the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season by checking out 10 News’ Dining for Charities program.

The American Red Cross is helping residents who were displaced after their apartment caught fire early Thursday morning in Vinton, according to the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department.

Salem firefighters were recognized virtually for saving a man’s life during the American Red Cross’ Celebration of Heroes, and on Tuesday, those firefighters were recognized in person.

UPDATE: 5:43 a.m.

Where you can donate blood in Southwest Virginia for National Blood Donor Day

A fire caused moderate damage in the kitchen, with smoke damage throughout the rest of the home on Myrtle Avenue in Danville Easter Sunday.

Using his company to help the American Red Cross during an emergency blood shortage while also becoming a regular blood donor himself is what constructed a hero spotlight on Sam Lionberge

After losing her husband to suicide due to the toll the pandemic took on healthcare workers, Alicia McAllister-Daniels is focusing her life on ways to help others who struggle with mental health issues. Because of that, the American Red Cross considers her to be a local hero.

Being a teacher and a mentor in the medical field has earned Richard Knick hero recognition.

Having a heart of gold for those experiencing homelessness is what placed Dawn Sandoval in the hero spotlight.

Always dropping what he’s doing to answer a call for help is what gained Devin Jennings a hero spotlight.

Making sure over 100 Afghan evacuees resettled comfortably here in the United States is the act that landed Samim Noorzad in the hero spotlight.

It was his devout dedication to helping the American Red Cross save lives, one blood donation at a time, that landed James Breakell in the hero spotlight.

The American Red Cross is recognizing a social worker at Hurt Park Elementary School for her unwavering dedication and ability to go above and beyond.

The American Red Cross acknowledges heroes who serve around the Southwest chapter every year.

You hear it often: There’s a need for blood donors -- but there’s apparently a particular need for the Black community to step up and donate.

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets rolled up their sleeves today to help those in need.

You and your significant other can make a date to donate blood this Valentine's Day and save a life.

The blood shortage in the U.S. is now being called a “crisis,” marking a dangerous first for the country.

At a time when hospitalizations are skyrocketing, life-saving blood supply is at a record low.

Nominations for the 17th annual “Help Can’t Wait” celebration of heroes opened on Monday.

While there is a surplus of cheer everywhere you go this holiday season, the American Red Cross is dealing with a serious blood donation deficit.

The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood and platelet donations. In Southwest Virginia, blood banks have an alarmingly low inventory.

With dozens of people still unaccounted for following a string of deadly tornados, groups like the American Red Cross are working around the clock to help.

The American Red Cross has a new set of wheels to get blood to people in need across the Roanoke Valley.

Local chapters of the American Red Cross are seeing extreme shortages of Type O blood.

Phillip Lucado marked his 1,000th blood platelet donation Wednesday.

It’s all hands on deck as organizations across the country help thousands impacted by Hurricane Ida.

This month, the American Red Cross of Southwest Virginia will benefit from the accurate forecasts of Your Local Weather Authority.

They attribute that to rising trauma cases, transplants and surgeries.

The Red Cross is asking for your help to save lives as part of World Blood Donor Day.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Red Cross has a crucial need for blood donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and a Roanoke service organization is doing what it can to fill the gap. Junior League of the Roanoke Valley is partnering with the Red Cross of Southwest Virginia for a blood drive at the latter’s Church Avenue headquarters on Saturday. In addition to donating blood, the Red Cross can also test blood for COVID-19 antibodies, which indicate if the donor has contracted COVID-19. Junior League Executive Vice President-elect Jessie Coffman hopes people jump at the chance to be selfless with their health. “My mom is a nurse and my husband had several lung transfusions as a child, so I understand the need,” Coffman said.

FILE - In this March 31, 2020 file photo, a leaning sign sits in front of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. “There’s no other way to claim it than a Biden border crisis.”Texas Gov. The memo sent to Dallas City Council members says the Federal Emergency Management Agency and HHS will “be responsible for providing shelter management and contracts” for food, security, cleaning, and medical care at the convention center. Dallas previously offered space to HHS during the 2014 surge of crossings of immigrant children. HHS also has said it will house immigrant youths in Midland.

I’d heard rumblings that you could give blood through the American Red Cross, and they’d test your blood for antibodies. Worth mentioning: The Red Cross says it’s a perfectly safe time to donate, despite COVID-19. How to interpret your resultsMine said: “COVID-19 Test Result: NEGATIVE.” And I blanked for a second, as in, “Negative? Learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing.” (It’s like the Red Cross knows that we’re not all health experts). The Red Cross could use your donation one way or the other.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATEAs of 11 a.m., the person is still in the hospital after a fire early Monday in Roanoke County. Authorities say the structure is a total loss with an estimated value of $108,000. ORIGINAL STORYOne person has been hospitalized after a house fire in Roanoke County, according to the county’s fire and rescue department. The person inside made it out safely and went to Roanoke County Public Safety Building #10 on Bradshaw Road to report the fire, officials say. The house is a total loss, according to the department.

ROANOKE, Va. – Donating blood to help patients battling COVID-19 is now easier than ever. The American Red Cross is now testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. If those people do have antibodies, then the Red Cross will test the blood a second time to see if there are enough antibodies to give to patients in the hospital fighting COVID-19. The Red Cross can take the plasma from that blood without needing donors to come back in and donate again. The Red Cross says blood donors save lives and now you can help save even more.

ROANOKE, Va. – On Tuesday night American Red Cross volunteers in Roanoke were honored for their tireless dedication to the community. These volunteers have been manning blood drives, responding to natural disasters and helping in little ways too. Jackie Grant is the executive director of the local Red Cross Chapter and said sometimes recognition just can’t wait until next year. Many of the volunteers received awards for their service. All they had to do was open their cars and awards were put right in their back seats.

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke family is asking for help to meet the urgent need for more blood donations from Black people. Nicole Ross and Tommy Page's oldest son died from sickle cell anemia. With one son’s memory and two others' ongoing battle, they’re pushing for Black people to donate blood. Donations are now lower than ever because of the coronavirus pandemic, leading the Red Cross to issue an urgent need for Black blood donors. The Red Cross is holding a blood drive in Roanoke specifically targeting to help sickle cell patients on Sept. 29 from 12 to 6 p.m.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Red Cross is sounding the alarm this Sickle Cell Awareness Month about what they call a critically-low supply of blood from Black donors. According to the Red Cross, about 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with sickle cell disease. Those patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor who is Black. Black blood donations have dropped significantly, going from more than 15,000 at school drives in 2019 to only 2,700 this year. A blood drive to help sickle cell patients is happening at the Red Cross office in Roanoke on Sept. 29 from 12 to 6 p.m.

Volunteers wearing disposable masks walked from group to group, taking down their information and asking what they need for the days ahead. Normally, they'd be gathering in school gymnasiums and meeting halls, sleeping on cots and eating at buffet lines, all provided by organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other faith and community groups. When possible, displaced residents are sent to hotels instead of group shelters. In group shelters, staffers are using plastic pipes strung with clear shower curtains to separate evacuees but allow them to see out from their own socially distanced areas. In Oregon, group shelters are set up at churches, colleges and community buildings, while malls, golf courses and other businesses opened parking for evacuees who can stay in recreational vehicles.

LOS ANGELES (CNN) - Paramount Pictures and Skydance have canceled the red carpet premiere for its new film "Terminator: Dark Fate" due to wildfires impacting Los Angeles. "In light of the ongoing, active fires being battled in the area, Paramount Pictures and Skydance have canceled tonight's Los Angeles premiere of 'Terminator: Dark Fate,'" a statement provided to CNN said. "We will be donating food intended for the after-party to the American Red Cross, which is serving those affected by the fires." On Monday morning, the Getty Fire, located on the west side of the busy 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, affected neighborhoods known for their high-value homes and celebrity residents. "Terminator: Dark Fate" is the latest film in the franchise that began in 1984.

ROANOKE, Va. - There is a critical blood shortage in the U.S., and the American Red Cross is asking people to donate blood and platelets. The Red Cross said that donations drop during the summer. "There are fewer blood drives scheduled and more people on vacation and really not thinking about giving blood at that time," said Jackie Grant, the executive director of the American Red Cross in Roanoke. The Red Cross needs a five-day supply. The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors of all types, especially O.

ROANOKE, Va. - The American Red Cross is asking for donations after a blood shortage caused by the holiday weekend, deemed a "blood emergency." The organization says it has less than a three-day supply of most blood types available after a "difficult" week, when fewer than normal blood drives were organized due to the holiday, compounding a shortfall of more than 24,000 blood donations last month. The Red Cross is asking anyone who is able to donate blood or platelets to make an appointment online. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.