American Red Cross seeks blood-recovery donations in wake of severe weather shortage

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – According to the American Red Cross, severe weather − such as blizzards, tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes − impacts about 90,000 blood donations made annually to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross said that 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 Hurricane Debby, which caused widespread flooding and damaging winds from the Florida Gulf Coast to as far north as the New York Finger Lakes.

The storm resulted in approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected.

Over the last 10 years, 763 blood drives have been canceled in Ohio due to weather over the last 10 years, including 26 so far this year. This has resulted in about 270 donations going uncollected in the Central & Southern Ohio Region to-date in 2024, in part because of a record-setting year with 65 confirmed tornadoes in the state.

Thus, the Red Cross says now is a critical time for blood donations and it is asking for first-time donors and those who give regularly to help blood-supply recovery.

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

In thanks, all who come to give through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details. Those who come to give Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last.