Severe weather causes national blood emergency, donations needed

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Community members are urged to give blood after Hurricane Debby cancelled several blood drives nationwide.

The American red Cross is experiencing a national blood emergency and is looking to rebuild the blood supply.

Weather in recent weeks forced the cancelation of 60 blood drives throughout the country, adding to the summer shortfall in donations and causing approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected. Annually, severe weather such as blizzards, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes, impacts about 90,000 blood donations made to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross says first-time donors as well as those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery. As a way to say thank you, those who come to give blood through August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Additionally, those who come to give between September 1 and September 15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last.

September is National Preparedness Month. A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies.

To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor, visit redcrossblood.org , or call 1(800)733-2767.

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