American Red Cross needs blood before '100 deadliest days' of summer

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The American Red Cross has reached a critical need for blood donations after the holiday travel season that left many regular donors too busy to donate.

"In fact, about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected over the past month than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply," said Regional Communications Director for the Indiana Region Isis Chaverri.

Red Cross officials say severe weather and historic travel in May contributed to fewer blood donations.

"According to the Transportation Security Administration, five of the busiest travel days ever happened this month and more record-breaking travel is expected all season long – a busy time when many regular donors may be unable to give," officials said. 

"Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents, its 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."

Make an appointment online, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.