Blood drives canceled due to weather, worsening national blood emergency

Severe weather across the country, including remnants of Hurricane Debby, has impacted blood donations this year, leaving the American Red Cross in a national blood emergency.

On Monday, the American Red Cross of Central & Southern Ohio encouraged Ohioans to donate blood if they are able.

"Weather in recent weeks has added to the summer shortfall in donations by forcing the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives throughout the country, many of which were caused by Debby," Monday's release reads. That's about 1,500 donations that went uncollected.

In Ohio, the Red Cross said 26 blood drives have been canceled so far this year due to weather, and about 270 donations uncollected in the central and southern region of the state.

"Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for hospitals and patients," the release reads.

Those who wish to donate blood can do so by making an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-733-2767. Those who donate through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon gift card , and those who donate between Sept. 1-15 will get a Red Cross raglan T-shirt.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Blood drives canceled due to weather, worsening national blood emergency