As previously reported, at least 50 people have died in a mass shooting at Orlando’s nightclub Pulse. 54 people were also injured in the attack. Here is what you can do to help the victims and their loved ones in the wake of this horrible massacre.
Help Find People
Facebook has enabled a check-in page to help locate possible victims from the shooting. If you are in the Orlando area you can use it to let your loved ones know you are safe and to alert people.
An Orlando Mass Shooting Family Hotline has also been set up at 407-246-4357 to help find people who may be missing. But please do not call if you don’t really need to, so the phone line doesn’t get saturated.
Donate Blood
While local blood banks are full of people who want to help by donating their blood, blood banks are encouraging people to make an appointment for a time when a blood donation will be crucial.
OneBlood has stated that there is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive and AB Plasma blood donors. If you don’t have that blood type, or don’t know your blood type One Blood is asking to please wait until tomorrow and call 1.888.9.DONATE (1.888.936.6283).
Donation Location Sites:
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Orlando West Michigan Donor Center, 345 W Michigan Street, Ste. 106, Orlando, FL 32806
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Orlando Main Donor Center, 8669 Commodity Circle, Orlando, FL 32819
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Oviedo Donor Center, 1954 W. State Road 426, Oviedo, FL 32765
Mobile Locations:
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Asbury United Methodist Church – Bloodmobile 220, West Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
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St. Luke’s United Methodist Church – Bloodmobile, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819
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Metro Church Bloodmobile, 1491 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708
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AMC 18 Altamonte Mall -451 Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springes (until 9 PM)
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Metro Church Winter Springs – 1491 E State Rd 434, Winter Springs
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St Cloud Presbyterian Church – 909 10th St, St Cloud
Bring Water Or Food To People Donating Blood
People in line waiting to donate blood, which thank goodness are many, have been probably in line for a while now. With the hot summer weather in Orlando, these people who have responded to the tragedy with kindness are probably hungry and thirsty. If you can take them water, food, mist fans, or shade tents that would be really helpful.
Donate Money
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help out the community. The money raised will help with counseling resources, medical bill assistance, staff an emergency hotline and pay for grief counselors.
Another GoFundMe account was opened for the victims and their families.
Offer Counseling Services
If you are a counselor, offer your services. There are many people in need to talk to someone about today’s horrible event.
The GLBT Center and Zebra Coalition have opened a hotline at 407-228-1446 for anyone who needs to talk.
If you would rather talk to someone in person, The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida has counselors on site for anyone who needs to talk, at 946 N Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.
Attend A Vigil
There are many vigils that will go on in the Orlando area and all over the country too. These gatherings aim to give people a chance to support each other following the shooting.
These are the vigils that will be held in the Orlando area:
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Joy Metropolitan Community Church – 2351 South Ferncreek Ave
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Parliament House – 410 N Orange Blossom Trail
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Ember Orlando – 42 W. Central Blvd
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Daily City Food Truck Bazaar at Fashion Square Mall – 3201 E Colonial Dr
Reschedule Your Appointments
If you have a scheduled doctor’s appointment in the following days, and of course if it’s not a medical issue which would need attention right away, try to reschedule it. There have been many doctors called to help assist people injured in the shooting. If you can reschedule your appointment so they can continue to help out if needed, it can help.
We thank those already taking action to help. Our hearts are with those affected by this horrifying tragedy.
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