Red Cross announces national blood shortage, seeks donors in aftermath of Hurricane Debby

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The American Red Cross is encouraging communities to participate in blood drives after severe weather across the country has caused a blood emergency.

Credit: Pexels

September is National Preparedness Month.

The American Red Cross encourages communities to stay ready and donate blood or blood platelets during the month — especially this year.

That's because the organization is experiencing a national blood emergency following Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events. 

Hurricane season in the U.S. runs from June to November and the possibility of additional severe weather also increases the need for blood donations, a statement from the aid group said. 

"As disasters occur more often and become more powerful due to the climate crisis, the Red Cross also encourages people to get their households ready for emergencies. This year, the country has already seen the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded with Hurricane Beryl, and wildfires have burned 2.7 million more acres compared to all of 2023."

Per an official press release, "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, causing approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected." 

The Red Cross reports that more than 450 blood drives have been canceled in Georgia in the last 10 years, with 12 drives canceled so far this year.  

The cancellations have caused about 400 blood donations to go uncollected in the state's region this year. 

"Because blood has a short 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 said. 

Red Cross shares that all donors who donate through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email, while those who come to give blood from Sept.1 to 15 "will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last." 

For more information on what disasters could affect your community, the Red Cross advises the public to visit its hazard map and download the Red Cross Emergency App for: 

• Step-by-step guidance 
• Real-time weather alerts 
• Expert preparedness 
• Safety advice in English in Spanish 

Click here to make an appointment to donate blood with the Red Cross.