Residents of Florida have sat back and watched as more details surfaced in the Las Vegas mass shooting, which became the worst mass shooting in modern American history. Now there are ways for Floridians to help those in Nevada.
At least 59 are dead, and over 500 are injured after Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas Strip casino. The crowd of about 22,000 concert-goers turned frantic as witnesses recall the gunshots lasting ten to 15 minutes.
Paddock was found dead in suite 32135 and authorities believe he killed himself after initial engagement by officers.
Now at least 527 people are injured, and blood is in high demand. Clark County Sheriff urged people to donate, and lines at United Blood Services Nevada locations turned hundreds deep.
Currently in line to give blood in Las Vegas…this is an amazing pic.twitter.com/ibFHczBZDf
— Charles Nelson (@cnelsonmba) October 2, 2017
Blood donations are usually available for hospitals within 24 to 36 hours, and officials alongside United Blood Services are encouraging people to continue donating throughout the coming days and weeks.
While blood is still needed immediately, the demand for blood will continue for days setting out people outside of Nevada the chance to donate and help as well.
OneBlood in Orlando, FL reached out to the blood centers in Nevada early Monday morning to notify them that the Florida area is ready to assist if needed. The company is already preparing a shipment of blood and platelets to be sent as soon as possible to Vegas.
OneBlood encourages everyone eligible to be blood donors to make a donation and locations can be found here.
For anyone who can’t donate blood or would like to give in other ways as well, financial help will be accepted through a handful of outlets. The Southern Nevada chapter of the American Red Cross is taking donations on their website or by phone 707-369-3674.
The National Compassion Fund is a group that collects donations for victims of mass crimes and is also accepting donations. The National Compassion Fund assisted with the September 11th and Sandy Hook tragedies as well.
