EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events across the country have complicated efforts to rebuild the nation's blood supply.
The American Red Cross is calling on people in areas not affected by severe weather to donate blood.
"Since July 1, the national supply is down 25%," said Regional Communications Manager of the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region Cristina Maisel.
The American Red Cross is making a plea for people to roll up their sleeves and give.
Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing a national blood emergency.
The reason? Severe weather like Hurricane Debby has added to the summer shortfall in donations, some 60 blood drives across the country have been canceled by Debby, resulting in an estimated 15,000 blood products uncollected.
"In Pennsylvania this year, we've had 35 Blood drives that have been impacted by weather this year. Whether that be from flooding or winter storms things of that nature power outages," Maisel explained.
Maisel says these may seem like small impacts, but they add up.
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"Blood is a perishable product, it can't be stockpiled in advance," Maisel added.
Because it can't be manufactured, the American Red Cross relies on both first-time donors and those who give regularly to replenish the blood supply for patients who need it.
"It's used in treatments who have sickle cell disease, it's used for accident or burn victims, or maybe a mom going through a difficult childbirth may receive blood products. We are doing everything we can to replenish that blood supply so there aren't impacts on patients who need blood," said Maisel.
The Red Cross is looking to entice, donations by gifting all volunteer donors a $20 gift card to Amazon through August 31.
Go online to find a blood drive appointment near you.
