LANSING, Mich. — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage across the country, including in Mid-Michigan neighborhoods, as the national blood supply has plummeted by 35% in the last month.
- The American Red Cross reports a severe blood shortage with national supply dropping 35% in the last month.
- Weather conditions and flu season are driving the extreme shortage, leaving hospital patients waiting for critical blood supplies.
- The Red Cross is offering $20 gift cards to encourage donations, with each pint potentially saving up to three lives.
Carol Case has been donating blood regularly for nearly 40 years and continues her commitment every six or seven weeks.
"It's a need, people need it. Saving lives, to me that's the most important thing," Case said.
WATCH BELOW: American Red Cross faces severe blood shortage as national supply drops 35% in one month
Judi Harris, the executive director of the Mid Michigan Red Cross, says the shortage is very significant and driven by weather conditions and flu season.
"We are having a shortage of blood right now and it's very significant," Harris said. "It's very important that we get blood to people."
To address the dire need, the Red Cross is offering incentives to encourage donations, including a $20 gift card to the merchant of your choice for donors.
Harris emphasizes that every pint donated can save up to three lives.
"People as I imagine are just sitting in hospital beds and waiting for blood to come," Harris said.
Case plans to continue donating for the rest of her life.
"I will, until they say I can't," Case said.
Information on how to donate at your local Red Cross can be found here.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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