Hurricane season has definitely arrived.

Fay, Gustav, and soon, Hanna, have already disrupted blood donation collections before, during and after landfall.

“These severe storms can also lead to an increase in the demand for blood due to storm-related injuries or injuries incurred during clean-up activities once a storm passes,” says Ivy Pittman of the Gulf Coast Region of the American Red Cross.

Fay caused many blood drives to be either cancelled or poorly attended, Pittman says.

“Now with Gustav, even more blood drives were cancelled and the blood supply is low. We need the community’s help before Hannah hits,” Pittman said.

The opportunity to help is in Greenville today. A Red Cross Blood Drive is set for the Greenville Wal-Mart parking lot from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Everyone who presents to donate will be entered in the ARC Regional Drawing to win a $1,000 gas card.

“You’ll also get a T-shirt – and the chance to save lives,” Pittman said.