Red Cross officials cite ‘national blood emergency,’ urge donations

The American Red Cross is reporting a national blood emergency and urging people who are able to make appointments to give blood.

Severe weather in recent weeks has forced the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives nationally, resulting in the collection of about 1,500 fewer blood products than anticipated. Bad weather annually impacts about 90,000 blood donations made to the Red Cross, according to officials. That can cause significant problems, since the shelf life of blood is short.

To make an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor app or call 1-800- 733-2767. Those who come to give through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email, while those who give between Sept. 1-15 will receive a Red Cross raglan t-shirt while supplies last.