Blood banks experience nationwide shortage | News

The American Red Cross sounded the alarm Monday. as the organization and other blood banks are experiencing a supply shortage.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross said the supply in the summer of 2012 is the worst shortage it has seen in more than a decade. One of the biggest factors is the severe weather that's been popping up nationwide.

In June, the Red Cross reported emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations. A Red Cross spokesperson said summer is always a slow donation time because so many people are on vacation. That trend, on top of the fact that recent severe weather caused blood drives to close down, is making the supply numbers the worst that blood banks have seen in years.

The Red Cross said the recent shortage should be more than a good reason to donate.

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

The Red Cross said if things don't get better soon, some elective surgeries will be canceled and some more serious procedures like live transplants will be postponed.

The Inland Northwest Blood Center said its supply is holding steady but their back up blood supply is a little low.

If you are interested in donating, click here for more information.