What You Can Do to Help the Las Vegas Mass Shooting Victims

Last night’s massacre in Las Vegas is being called the worst mass shooting at the hands of a single person in our nation’s history. As the details unfold, cannabis consumers can do their part to help the victims, including donating blood, money or doing what they can to offer emotional support.

According to the latest information available, at least 58 people died and 515 others were seriously injured. Police have identified 64-year-old Stephen Craig Paddock as the shooter who fired an endless stream of bullets into a packed crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. The gunshots erupted in the middle of Jason Aldean’s set at the three-day Route 91 Harvest Festival at around 10:08 p.m. local time on October 1. Police found Paddock dead in the hotel room along with at least 19 .223 caliber and a .308 caliber guns.

The F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security are working feverishly to connect the dots and explain how the massacre unfolded. The shooting victims need blood, and they need it fast. In particular, blood drive centers need type-O Negative blood.

Essence, a Las Vegas-based dispensary, recently clarified that cannabis consumers are allowed to donate blood. This can be confirmed by visiting the American Red Cross’s blood donation Q&A. “While the Red Cross doesn’t encourage the use of controlled substances,” the pamphlet reads, “marijuana or alcohol use does not necessarily disqualify you from giving blood as long as you are feeling well.”

Locals can donate blood and help save the wounded. “If you would like to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting,” the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police tweeted, “Visit the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, 7135 W. Sahara.” Other blood drives are being held at 6930 W. Charleston in Las Vegas or 601 Whitney Ranch Drive in Henderson, and at the United Medical Hospital’s Delta Point Building at 901 N. Rancho Lane.

You can also help by donating money. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise funds for the victims, and it has reached nearly $1 million dollars as of mid-day October 2.

The incident affects almost every American. It’s only been a little over a year since the attack that left 49 dead in Orlando and five years since the horrific events in Sandy Hook Elementary took place.