How to help: Blood donations needed during emergency shortages from severe weather

(CNN, WNKY) – An emergency declaration from the American Red Cross is warning that blood donations are dangerously low, leading to emergency shortages.

The organization says it supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood.

In Tuesday’s Health Minute, CNN reports how the weather is wreaking havoc on the nation’s blood supply and how you can help.

From record heat to hurricanes, the American Red Cross says the weather is playing a key role in blood drive cancellations across the country.

Dr. Baia Lasky, divisional chief medical director with the American Red Cross, says this is an emergency.

With vacations and other summer activities, the Red Cross typically sees fewer donations this time of year.

With added weather challenges, the organization says it’s seen its blood inventory plunge more than 25% in July.

While hospital needs remain the same, hurricane season is ramping up, which could raise demand even more.

Lasky says, “The American Red Cross does have a national Inventory system such that no region will go without blood. But that means it’s just that much more important for the areas that are not impacted to, for, for individuals to come out and donate.”

All blood types are needed, but especially Type O, positive and negative.

In recent weeks, the Red Cross says low supplies have forced a reduction in how much of this critical blood type it’s able to provide to hospitals.

Several local blood drives will be taking place in both Bowling Green and Glasgow through August.

To learn more about locations and times, click here for the Bowling Green area and here for Glasgow.