Red Cross issues emergency blood shortage

Burlington, Vt – Summer heat may be welcome for those enjoying the season, but when it comes to giving blood, the heat can have some seriously negative effects.

Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager for Red Cross of Northern New England, says that warm weather caused low attendance at Red Cross blood drives in nearly every state, causing the national blood supply to fall 25% since July 1st.

“There have been a variety of factors that caused this shortfall, including heat, summer travel, summer activities…” Dowling says. The combination resulted in a shortfall of about 19,000 blood donations.

Dowling notes that blood is going out to hospitals faster than its coming in from donor centers. He says they’re trying to rally their donors to come out and give.

If you’re on the fence, there is some incentive behind it. Red Cross is offering $20 amazon gift cards for those who donate.

For those interested, Dowling recommends making an appointment beforehand on their website, redcross.org.

The American Red Cross will be hosting a variety of blood drives across Vermont in the coming weeks. To find one near you, click here .

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