With hurricanes Helene and Milton giving the United States a one-two punch over the past couple of weeks, the American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage and has set up more blood drives in New York to deal with the situation.

Tri-Lakes residents are urged to give blood at two local drives:

– Tupper Lake: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1-6 p.m., Goff-Nelson Memorial Library, 41 Lake St.

– Saranac Lake: Friday, Oct. 18, noon to 5 p.m., Saranac Lake Free Library, 109 Main St.

“The American Red Cross continues to work to restock critically needed blood products uncollected due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the Southeast,” a Red Cross press release stated on Tuesday, a day before Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida. “Donors outside of affected areas are encouraged to make an appointment to give now and help keep the blood supply stable in the weeks to come.”

Since making landfall, more than 100 blood drives were canceled after Helene spread devastation across the South.

“For so many people living with urgent medical care needs, blood transfusions are essential, and donations in the Southeast are key to keeping our nationwide network stocked,” the Red Cross stated.

All who give blood at Red Cross drives in the month of October will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, and they will be entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards.

Visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule your blood donation, find a blood drive or to make a tax-deductible monetary donation help people affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene.