WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- As the Southeast region recovers from Hurricane Helene and Milton, hundreds of blood drives have been canceled, putting the American Red Cross behind and causing a huge need for blood. "The reality is, someone in this country needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. Imagine that every two seconds," said Scott Marder, the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross. The Red Cross said the need for blood is constant and the blood that's available on the shelves is what is saving the lives of people now but it needs to be replenished for next week and the following week. Hurricane Helene and Milton have impacted many lives and even contributed to the blood drive shortage. As many areas recover, hundreds of blood drives scheduled at the end of October had to be canceled. "If you think about people who are being affected on an ongoing basis in the southeast, people who normally might go to a blood center and donate regularly or go to a blood drive and donate, some of them may not be able to because they're focusing on their recovery and their families," said Marder. Northern Virginia animal shelters take in rescues after hurricanes Helene, Milton The Red Cross provides blood for 40% of the country. He said the 2500 units of blood they normally collect can't be collected, which puts the organization behind. "If we don't collect 2500 units, we have to make up for that somehow," he said. They're asking all communities including the DMV to step up and give blood so a life can be saved. "This could be my family member. It could be your best friend. It could be your spouse. Anyone could need a blood transfusion. So it is so important for us to step up and do this for our community or our friends, our family, people we don't know, but who have friends and family," said Marder. If you're interested in donating you can visit the American Red Cross, find a location near you, set up an appointment and donate to save a life.