Today’s San Diego Blood Bank drive here at iHeartMedia headquarters comes the same week that the American Red Cross sent out the message of a critical need for blood nationwide.
The organization says the national blood supply levels have dropped by nearly 25 percent since August, to critically low levels.
A Red Cross news release says the urgent need for blood donations comes in the wake of back-to-back natural disasters.
The hurricanes, tornadoes, the extreme heat and wildfires apparently have had an impact…leading to some blood drives being cancelled and reducing much needed blood and platelet donations in many areas affected as the need has gone up. In Florida alone, Hurricane Idalia caused more than 700 units of blood and platelets to go uncollected.
Of course these weather related disasters, including Tropical Storm Hilary that hit Southern California, have come during the summer months when donor turnout often can be lower.
And as one official puts it, “For so many patients living with urgent medical care needs, crises don’t stop with natural disasters.”
Not everyone can donate their blood, but for those who can, the hope is that more do, and do what only they can do, and give the gift of life.
(Photo Getty Images)