Severe Weather Causes Emergency Blood Shortage; Red Cross Strained

The American Red Cross continues to feel the after-effects of severe weather, as the remnants of Hurricane Debby have further put a strain on the nation’s blood supply.

A cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives due to the hurricane have seen over 1,500 blood products go unclaimed. Blood’s short shelf life, combined with the fact that its only source is from volunteer donors, means that even the slightest disruption in the flow can have dire consequences for patients and hospitals alike.

Severe weather, such as floods, blizzards, and tornadoes, impacts roughly 90,000 Red Cross blood donations per year. People in unaffected areas are prompted to book an appointment as soon as possible to donate. Those who donate through August 31st will receive an Amazon gift card; from September 1st to September 15th, donors will be given an exclusive Red Cross raglan shirt while supplies last.

For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org.