Blood shortage in Arizona and US

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage and all blood types are needed urgently. In August, there was a deficiency of 30,000 donations across the country. Officials say there is an emergency demand for platelet and type O blood donors.

The American Red Cross States that the lack of donors is caused by Hurricane Idalia which reduced blood and platelet donors in distressed areas. With much damage in the Southeast, there were over a dozen blood drive cancellations leaving much-uncollected blood.

With September being Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Red Cross launched the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021. The objective is to increase the number of African-American donors and improve the health of sickle cell patients.

This year, the Red Cross is partnered with multiple organizations to host blood drives that have the common ground of showing up for patients with sickle cell.

The Red Cross is showing gratitude by giving a limited edition Red Cross T-shirt to those who donate September 1-18. As well as Super Clips Haircuts is offering a coupon for a free haircut for the whole month of September, which will be received via email.

The American Red Cross has opportunities across the country to impact communities such as donating, volunteering, and more. More information can be found on redcross.org, CruzRojaAmericana.org, or on Twitter @RedCross.