PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The American Red Cross has been struggling to rebuild the nation's blood supply after severe weather throughout the country decreased its level of donations.
According to a Red Cross press release, almost 60 blood drives have been canceled nationally this summer, leading to around 1,500 blood products going uncollected. Much of the shortage has been caused by the effects of Hurricane Debby, though approximately 90,000 blood donations were impacted throughout the year by snow, tornadoes and other severe whether events. Pennsylvania alone has already canceled 35 blood drives in 2024, causing 900 donations to go uncollected this year.
To combat this blood shortage, the Red Cross urges people unaffected by severe weather to donate blood as soon as they can. Anyone who gives through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.
Additionally, FOX43 will also help the Red Cross by hosting a blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 29. The event will be at Penn State's York campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interested participants can go to redcrossblood.org/fox43 to learn more.
As September is National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross will continue its efforts to increase donations into the following month. the Red Cross believes that having a strong blood supply is essential to making sure Americans are prepared for emergencies.
"Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, often without warning," the Red Cross added in its press release. "Get ready by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected."
Those who donate between Sept. 1-15 will receive a Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last.
Anyone who would like to donate can visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
