In light of the Las Vegas shooting Sunday that has left at least 50 people dead and hundreds injured, blood donations are critical to help those affected.

Red Cross Regional Communications Officer Mark Tauscheck says the Red Cross offices have already heard from Iowans interested in doing their part to help in this crisis. Tauschek says the U.S. blood reserve is crucial, “I think last night pretty much illustrated why we need to have our blood reserves at an adequate level at all times, because we never know when something like this will happen. But even outside of these mass-casualty events on any given day at any hospital in any city in Iowa there is a need for blood. So that in itself should be a call to all Iowans. If they feel compelled and want to do something that’s completely selfless, giving blood is one of the best ways to do it.”

One donation of blood can potentially help three people.

Upcoming Area Blood Drives:

– October 12, 3-6 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, Mount Pleasant

– October 18, 3-6 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Middle School, Mount Pleasant