How to Help After Orlando Gay Nightclub Shooting

This morning the United States woke up to the worst mass shooting in the country's history: 50 people are dead and at least 50 others were injured after a man opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, FL. After horrific events like this, we often can feel powerless –– but there are many ways to help.

Donate Blood

If you're in Orlando, you can help by donating blood. There is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive, and AB Plasma blood donors. Currently, OneBlood is overwhelmed with donor lines out the door and the website has been down most of today. The Orlando Sentinel reports that OneBlood has requested those wishing to donate return in the coming days as the stock will need to be replenished to continue support those in need. You can also make an appointment to donate with the American Red Cross.

FDA Regulations Still Bar Sexually Active Men From Donating Blood

Earlier today there were mixed reports over gay men being allowed to donate. According to the FDA, men who sleep with other men should wait one year after having sex to donate blood. There were reports that OneBlood would now bend those rules and allow gay men to donate, but has since tweeted out clarification that the FDA regulations will remain intact, barring sexually active gay men from donating blood to help those in their community.

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If You're in the Orlando Area, Join a Vigil

Some Orlando residents are also trying to organize a vigil later this evening at Lake Eola Park.

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Donate Money

Even if you are not in Orlando, you can also donate to the Orlando Regional Medical Center where many of the victims are receiving care. There's also The Center, an LGBTQ center supporting the community in Central Florida and Equality Florida, a non-profit which has set up a Go Fund Me campaign to help victims of the shooting and their medical bills.

Support Gun Control Legislation

As we continue to experience a growing epidemic of mass gun violence in the U.S., it's also important to support gun control legislation. Huffington Post has an easy guide on how to contact your elected representative about gun control and you can also directly support The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.