Red Cross: Blood shortage supply worst in more than a decade

The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm about a critical shortage in the nation's blood supply.

Officials say it's the worst, in more than a decade. The Red Cross said severe weather is to blame.

Summer is always slow because so many Americans are on vacation, but the Red Cross said this month's severe weather and the power outages canceled many blood drives.

The supply has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years.

"It really puts our community in a very difficult situation,” said Red Cross Medical Director Dr. Davand Borge, “Patients don't get vacations. They're in the hospital and they need blood. "

“You never know who's going to be the next person who needs blood,” said Donor Sheri Brown. “It might be your next door neighbor, it might be your child, and it might be you."

August is traditionally the slowest month for blood donations.