From blood to hugs, Hoosiers give back following Orlando shooting
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The shooting in Orlando has prompted Hoosiers to help victims in Florida, and also those struggling in central Indiana.
Following the worst shooting in U.S. history, the need for blood was great.
“We sent 30 units of plasma to Florida,” Indiana Blood Center public relations and marketing director Andrea Fagan said. “I think Hoosiers can feel good that they did help out.”
And Hoosiers didn’t stop with the initial call. On Monday, people visited the Indiana Blood Center.
“I was due to donate a month ago. When I saw the news on TV about the tragedy in Orlando, I decided I really needed to come in right away,” a blood donor named Anne said.
“In light of the recent events in Florida, I felt compelled to donate,” Robert Horsey said. Recent donations won’t travel to Florida, instead they’ll help restock Indiana’s shelves.
“People can’t designate their blood to go to a particular city or state,” Fagan said. “What you need to know about that is that we’ll stand ready. We are the backstop. We do have the backs of our sister centers across the country.”
The call for help isn’t only in Florida. The Indiana Youth Group is preparing to help LGBT young people comprehend Sunday’s shooting.
“We need support,” Indiana Youth Group activities manager Nate Nash said. “They need support. The youth need to feel that they’re loved and they’re not isolated in this experience.”
“We’re going through a lot and I can’t even imagine what our youth are going through,” Indiana Youth Group Youth Development Specialist Nora Mutlaq said.
The center is normally closed Mondays, but will open to offer a place for youth to cry, hug and share a laugh.
“We feel like we’re making lots of progress and then something like this happens and you just need to come together with your people,” Indiana Youth Group Executive Director Mary Byrner said.
Which is exactly why Hoosiers aren’t surprised to see support pouring in. “That’s what our community is about,” Horsey said. “That’s what Indianapolis is, we’re a very helpful group of people.”
The Indiana Youth Group will be open until 9 p.m. Monday. It’ll also open to anyone Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 2943 E 46th Street.