The American Red Cross says 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, over 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. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents, 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,” said Jill Orton, regional executive of the Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region. “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 The holiday weekend brought the busiest severe weather day of the year so far, with 26 reported tornadoes across 10 states – with Iowa among those affected.

Here in Iowa the Red Cross is providing supporting following tornadoes, flooding and other extreme weather in recent weeks. With the most active year for tornadoes since 2017, hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers and our partners are working around the clock across multiple states to make sure people affected by this severe weather have a safe place to stay, food, relief supplies and emotional and spiritual support.

Emergency shelters are open in some of the hardest hit areas, including Iowa. Red Cross disaster workers are helping assess the damage where it is safe to do so with preliminary reports indicating nearly 3,000 homes either destroyed or with major damage across the country.

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.

How to help Individuals are urged to help those 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, visitingRedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of agein most states(16 with parental consentwhere allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
• Help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief today at redcross.org or via 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
• Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for local opportunities.