Red Cross says the current blood shortage is urgent

SOUTH BEND, Ind – The Red Cross says blood donations drop in the summer, and that effects the Michiana area.

The Red Cross says they are already in urgent need leading up to this summer season, and they currently have less than a third of the supply that's needed.

The Red Cross usually receives 1,300 units of blood daily.

Blood donations have many uses including supplying blood for people receiving Open Heart surgery, and people with diseases like Sickle Cell anemia, and Hemophilia.

Amira Debic of the Red Cross says those donations to the Red Cross are very useful.

“We have to collect 1,300 units nationwide in a day, yes that’s a huge amount and we are the biggest supplier of blood in the nation” Debic said.

Click here to find local blood drives in the Michiana area.