GLAAD

GLAAD today issued the following statement following the horrific tragedy in Orlando, Florida: 

“Our hearts are broken for the victims and families of the horrific tragedy in Orlando,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “This unimaginable atrocity has not only robbed countless people of their loved ones, it has also stolen a sense of safety within the LGBTQ community. As we mourn the victims of this unspeakable attack, we are also reminded that the work to end hate in all its forms must continue.”

GLAAD stands in solidarity with Florida’s LGBT community and is working to support the efforts of Equality Florida. Below is list of resources Equality Florida has provided for those seeking information or who wish to offer their support:

Concerned Family Members
The City of Orlando has established a hotline to check on missing family members: 407-246-4357. Family members can also go to the Hampton Inn at 43 Columbia Street to be reunited with loved ones.

Visiting Orlando Regional Medical Center
For anyone visiting, the Family check-in location at ORMC is located at the North Tower at 52 W. Underwood Street. Please bring an ID and be able to identify your relationship to the victim.  The hospital is on tight security to ensure the safety of all.  

Facebook Safety Check-in
You can let family and friends around the country know that you are safe via Facebook’s Safety Check-in: www.facebook.com/safetycheck/orlando-shooting-jun12-2016/

Counseling
The Center located at 945 N. Mills Ave is now open and offering grief counseling (in English and Spanish) to those affected by the massacre.  You can also call the hotline at 407-228-1446. You can also live chat online at HFUW.org or text zip code to 898-211 to connect via text.

Blood Donations
In the wake of this tragedy, there is an urgent need for O Negative, O Positive and AB Plasma blood donors. Here is where you can donate: 

• West Michigan Donor Center – 345 W. Michigan St., Orlando, FL 32806
• Main Donor Center – 8669 Commodity Circle, Orlando, FL 32819
• Apopka Donor Center – 131 North Park Ave, Apopka, FL 32703
• Kissimmee Donor Center – 1029 North John Young Pwky, Kissimmee, FL 34741
• Oviedo Donor Center – 1954 West 426, Oviedo, FL 32765
• Lake Mary Donor Center – 105 Waymont Ct., Lake Mary, FL 32746

To find a donation center or Big Red Bus near you visit www.oneblood.org or call 1.888.9Donate.

Donations
Equality Florida has set up a GoFundMe page for the victim’s families: www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund.

Vigil and Community Support
Equality Florida is planning  vigil for tomorrow.  You can sign up here to get information from EQFL on vigils and more as the details come out: www.eqfl.org/pulse_vigil