American Red Cross in desperate need of blood donors in wake of devastating tornadoes

The American Red Cross said it critically needs blood and platelet donors now following a concerning decrease in donations as the country has experienced an increase in severe weather systems and historic travel.

In fact, during the past month, about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), five of the busiest travel days ever happened this month and more record-breaking travel is expected this summer — a busy time when many regular donors may be unable to give.

Plus, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the "100 deadliest days" of summer for auto crashes, it is critical hospitals have lifesaving blood products on hand for all trauma and accident victims who count on transfusions when there is no time to waste. In some of the most-dire situations, medical teams may need to use hundreds of blood products to save a life.

Emergencies take many forms – some arising in a hospital and others arising as relentless and devastating storms,” Jill Orton, who is the regional executive of the Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region, said. “Unfortunately, our community has been no stranger to emergencies these past several weeks, but when I witness our communities come together – at a blood drive or after a disaster – I see us growing stronger. Together, we can provide help and hope that is very much needed right now.”

Storm response efforts amid Memorial Day weekend brought the busiest severe weather day of the year so far, with 26 reported tornadoes across 10 states.

Emergency shelters are open in some of the hardest hit areas. The Red Cross is monitoring the weather and standing by to open additional shelters if needed.

Should new communities be impacted, the organization will be on the ground providing help in the days and weeks to come.

There are ways to help individuals who are facing emergencies – whether a need for a lifesaving blood transfusion or a need for shelter from the storm.

• Make a blood donation appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org or via 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Volunteer to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for local opportunities.