Beyond Blood Drives: How the American Red Cross Helps South Carolina Recover, Rebuild and Prepare
Aug. 27, 2026
When Hurricane Helene swept through South Carolina in 2024, many residents needed help. In Simpsonville, the American Red Cross opened a shelter for people affected by the storm. One couple relied on the shelter's power supply to keep her oxygen equipment running.
The shelter provided a safe place to sleep, a warm meal and a shower. Residents did not have to face the storm's aftermath alone.
That support reflects the broader mission of the Red Cross. While many people know the organization for blood drives, it also helps communities prepare for disasters, respond to emergencies and recover afterward.
"The Red Cross plays such an important role before, during and after these storms," says Susan Everitt, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of South Carolina. "Before a storm, we help people prepare. During the storm, we open shelters and provide a safe place to go. After the storm, we stay to provide food, comfort, emotional support and recovery resources."
Hurricane Helene showed how important that work can be*. Across the state, Red Cross teams helped people dealing with flooded roads, damaged homes and widespread disruption. They delivered meals and drinking water and provided health services, emotional support and financial assistance.
Everitt understands the impact of that support firsthand.
"I lost my home in Conway during Hurricane Floyd. I will never forget the help and hope the Red Cross brought to my family during that difficult time," she says.
The Red Cross helps during major disasters, but that is only part of its work. Throughout the year, volunteers respond to home fires and other local emergencies across South Carolina.
In the past year alone, the Red Cross responded to more than 1,660 home fires statewide. The organization helped affected families with shelter, food, comfort items and other immediate needs.
"The truth is that we respond every day to individual home fires and other local emergencies, and we stay with families as they begin to recover," she says.
The Red Cross also serves communities in several other ways. The organization:
- Supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply.
- Teaches lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid.
- Provides international humanitarian aid.
- Supports veterans, service members and their families.
These efforts all support the same mission: helping people through some of life's most difficult times.
"Our role is simple and steady: show up, care for people and help families take the next step forward," Everitt says.
As communities continue to recover from Hurricane Helene and prepare for future challenges, the American Red Cross remains committed to helping South Carolinians recover, rebuild and become more resilient when disaster strikes.
People who want to support that mission have many options beyond donating blood. Volunteers* help with disaster response, preparedness education, blood drives* and military family programs. Donations* help ensure the organization can respond quickly when emergencies occur.
*This link leads to a third-party website. The American Red Cross is solely responsible for the content and privacy policy on its site.
