Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 4 to help replace the critically-low blood supply in the Southeast after Hurricane Irma.

The storm greatly impacted both the blood and platelet supply in Florida and surrounding areas. More than 50 American Red Cross blood drives were cancelled during the past week resulting in more than 1,300 uncollected blood donations.

Christina Vick, lab director for EJCH, says there’s a crucial need for donations in those hard-hit regions.

“We’re urging the community to donate blood to help replenish the supply in Florida after the catastrophic storm,” says Vick. “There’s especially a need for type O donors, during this time.”

Natural disasters like Hurricane Irma can disrupt blood drives and prevent many donors from giving, however hospital patients depend on these crucial transfusions.

The American Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: emoryjohnscreek or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).