Red Cross blood supply negatively impacted by severe weather [Video]

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, …