Red Cross response in 2021: Families face emergency needs
amid COVID-19, climate change and global conflict
Bring hope to the holidays by donating on Giving Tuesday or
giving blood to help overcome the nation’s emergency blood shortage
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, massive humanitarian 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
Calvary Baptist Church, 2632 Michigan Road, Madison, IN 47250
11/23/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Corydon Presbyterian Church, 568 W. Highway 62, Corydon, IN 47112
12/13/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Crothersville High School, 109 Preston St., Crothersville, IN 47229
12/13/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Culver’s, 240 Federal Drive, Corydon, IN 47112
12/10/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 505 Community Drive, Seymour, IN 47274
12/9/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Harrison County Hospital, 1141 Hospital Drive, Corydon, IN 47112
11/22/2021: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran, 605 S. Walnut, Seymour, IN 47274
11/23/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Jefferson County Public Library, 420 W. Main St., Madison, IN 47250
12/16/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Knights of Columbus, 1460 N. Gardner, Scottsburg, IN 47170
12/13/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Moose Lodge 765, 1340 Michigan Road, Madison, IN 47250
12/2/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Seymour Community Center, 107 N. Chestnut St., Seymour, IN 47274
11/24/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
St. Johns Lutheran Church, 1505 St. Johns Church Road NE, Lanesville, IN 47136
11/22/2021: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Washington County Family YMCA, 1709 N. Shelby St., Salem, IN 47167
12/10/2021: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m