When Disaster Strikes

It's the busiest, most dangerous stretch of the year for disasters — and blood banks are running dangerously low right at the moment they're needed most. Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, for their monthly check-in on all things Red Cross — this time digging into what "disaster season" really means. Deb walks through the ripple effects of a rough year for wildfires and flooding, from a blood supply as low as it's been since COVID to the 40 disaster operations Red Cross volunteers are supporting across the country right now. They also cover how Red Cross distributes emergency supplies, coordinates with local nonprofits and churches, and reunites families separated by disaster — plus plenty of simple ways anyone listening can help, starting today. LINKS & RESOURCES Find a blood drive: redcrossblood.org Volunteer or give: redcross.org