How you can help victims of the Las Vegas shooting

On Sunday night, over 50 people were killed and more than 400 were hospitalized after a gunman opened fire on an outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. News outlets are calling it the deadliest mass shooting in the United States so far, and people all around the country are grieving. It’s a tragic moment, and Americans are doing what they can to help those who are hurting. How can you join in? Here are just a few suggestions on how to help victims of the Las Vegas shooting:

Donate Blood

If you’re near Las Vegas, this is one thing you can do immediately. Over 400 people were taken to local hospitals after the shooting and the stampede that followed, and the medical teams treating them are in serious need of blood. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, blood is being collected at several different locations in Nevada, including:

• United Blood Services: 6930 W. Charleston in Las Vegas
• United Blood Services: 601 Whitney Ranch Drive in Henderson
• The Labor Health and Welfare Clinic: 7135 West Sahara in Las Vegas
• University Medical Center: 901 N. Rancho Lane in Las Vegas

Donate To Families Of The Victims

There are already a number of GoFundMe campaigns that have been set up for families of the Las Vegas shooting victims, but it can sometimes be hard to know true campaigns from scams. One verified fund, however, was set up by Steve Sisolak, the Clark County Commission Chair from Las Vegas, and has already raised over $600,000. Donate here.

Another option is to donate to the National Compassion Fund’s fundraiser for Las Vegas victims, which will go directly to affected victims and their families.

Donate To The Red Cross

If you’re not located in Las Vegas, your next best option might be to donate to an organization that’s on the ground there. The Southern Nevada chapter of the Red Cross—which works hard to get blood donations where they’re needed most—accepts donations online, by phone or via mail. Visit the Red Cross website to make a donation online. From the drop-down list of options, select “your local Red Cross” to support, then specify the Southern Nevada chapter. Alternatively, dial (702) 369-3674 to phone in a contribution or mail a check or money order to:

American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter
1771 E. Flamingo Rd., #206B
Las Vegas, NV 89119

The shooting in Las Vegas was absolutely heartbreaking—but with a little help from everyone, we can make things a little bit easier for people affected by the tragedy.