Filed by btucker in Feature, Local News.
July 26, 2011

Obvious affects of drought are low crop yields and water regulations, but it creates some unexpected challenges too. The state is struggling with low blood supply. American Red Cross regional director of communications Rusty Surette says the heat makes it very difficult to recruit donors.

“We have certainly seen an impact across the nation,” Surette said. “The American Red Cross is urging people to give blood as soon as possible to get the supply back to a sufficient level.”

Between May and June, blood supplies were the lowest they’ve been in more than 12 years. All blood types are needed, but O negative is in especially high demand because of its universal nature.

“Where the heat has reached 107, 108 degrees and it’s forced the Red Cross to cancel blood drives or close them early,” Surette said. “And that’s just because people stay home, they reduce their activity, they are taking precautions.”

For more information on donating blood and a list of blood drives go to redcrossblood.org