DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Red Cross first announced earlier this week that we are in a National Blood Shortage Emergency. Since July 21st, blood supply has fallen more than 25%. Now, donors of all types are needed.
 
ImpactLife in Decatur is not only giving blood to local Midwest hospitals, but now they are reaching Florida and those impacted by Hurricane Debby. ImpactLife is partners with the Blood Emergency Readiness Corporation. 
 
Michelle Trunnell, ImpactLife Account Manager, wants to reach those affected in Florida. She shares "...it's flooded and people can't get out of their home, the blood drives are not going to go on. The people are not going to be able to get to their appointments. And typically when that happens, it doesn't mean the need stops."
 
This week, ImpactLife is sending blood donations down to Florida. They are holding blood drives all month, both by appointment and walk-ins. Trunnell hopes to spread awareness of the urgent need for blood.
 
"There's plenty of patients out there with certain diseases that require it. A lot of times, if individuals have never run into the need or talked about it, they just don't know. So it's getting that education, awareness and partnership out there."
 
Copyright 2024. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.