ROCHESTER, NY — In light of the nationwide blood shortage, the American Red Cross is giving a $20 Amazon gift card to anyone who donates blood through Saturday.
Additionally, people who donate blood from September 1 to 15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt. As News10NBC reported, the Red Cross declared a state of emergency after the national blood supply dropped 25% in July alone.
The Red Cross says extreme weather, such as Hurricane Debby, has exacerbated blood shortages, with nearly 60 blood drives across the country having to be canceled. Each year, about 90,000 blood drives are affected due to extreme weather.
In the Rochester area, upcoming blood drives will be held at the Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross on University Avenue, the Perinton Blood Donation Center, the Webster Golf Club, the Laurelton Fire Department on Empire Boulevard and many more.
For a list of blood drives, visit the Red Cross website, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or donate using the Red Cross app.
