INDIANA — The American Red Cross is facing a national blood emergency, exacerbated by the remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events that have disrupted blood donation efforts nationwide. Residents in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment to donate now.
Recent weather conditions have intensified the summer shortfall in donations, forcing the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives nationwide. Hurricane Debby alone accounted for approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products that went uncollected. On average, severe weather events—like blizzards, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes—impact about 90,000 blood donations yearly. In Indiana, there have been 357 blood drives canceled due to weather over the last decade, including 22 this year. This disruption has led to 666 donations uncollected in the Indiana Region alone in 2024.
Given blood’s short shelf life and the reliance on volunteer donors, any interruption in blood collection can severely affect hospitals and patients in need. Both first-time donors and regular contributors are essential for recovering the blood supply.
To schedule an appointment, individuals can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As an incentive, all donors who give through August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Those who donate between September 1 and September 15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan t-shirt while supplies last.
Prepare for Emergencies
September is National Preparedness Month, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong blood supply for disaster readiness. As climate change leads to more frequent and intense natural disasters, the Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare their households for emergencies. The 2024 hurricane season has already witnessed the earliest recorded Category 5 storm, with Hurricane Beryl and wildfires consuming 2.7 million more acres compared to all of 2023. Disasters can strike anywhere at any time, often without warning.
To be prepared, create a safety plan, gather essential supplies, and establish communication methods. To understand potential disasters that may affect your community, visit redcross.org/hazardmap and download the free Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, expert safety advice, and step-by-step guidance available in both English and Spanish.
