Gary Cohen, MD

Hurricane Helene Resources 🌀 As the full scope of the damage left by Hurricane Helene becomes clear, here's what you need to know about Red Cross services and how to get help. If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. • How is the Red Cross helping? Over 500 trained disaster workers are providing comfort and relief to those affected in the Southeast by Hurricane Helene, with hundreds more on their way. Once it is safe to do so, our teams will travel through affected communities to assess damage, provide meals, and distribute relief supplies. Right now, our priority is meeting the urgent needs of those affected by providing safe shelter, food, emotional support and health services. • How can I find a missing loved one? Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one. Note that there will be longer wait times due to increased call volume. Wellness checks are performed by your local emergency officials. Please contact their non-emergency number for assistance. Many areas remain inaccessible. If you need assistance, please consider coming to a shelter. You can find open shelters by visiting redcross.org or downloading the Red Cross Emergency app. • Does the Red Cross rescue stranded people? In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, we focus on providing safe shelter, food, emotional support and first aid. We do not have the expertise to provide search and rescue services. If you're in an emergency, please get to a safe place and dial 911 to connect with trained professionals who can help. • How can I get assistance? Please download the Red Cross Emergency app. Our resources are here to guide you through your recovery. If you’re unable to access the information you need, call 1-800-RED CROSS, but please keep in mind that you will experience longer wait times due to increased call volume after this disaster. • How can I stay updated? For information and updates on local Red Cross services, follow these accounts on social media: @RedCross_NC @RedCrossSC @GARedCross @RedCrossNFL @RedCrossCFL @RedCrossTN • How can I help? There are three things you can do right now to help people affected: • Make a financial donation to ensure people receive the help they need and don’t face this difficult time alone: rdcrss.org/3Bmmwyp • Schedule an appointment to donate blood and ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need: rdcrss.org/4eKAhpf • Sign up to volunteer with us so that you can help people affected by disasters like Helene: rdcrss.org/4dnFeTF Helping people across the Southeast recover from this devastating situation is a team effort — no one entity can do this alone, and we’re working around the clock with partners to ensure people's immediate needs are being met.