MANCHESTER — The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events across the country have further complicated efforts to rebuild the nation’s blood supply.

Weather in recent weeks has added to the summer shortfall in donations, forcing the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives throughout the country, many of which were caused by Debby. As a result, approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products will go uncollected.

Each year, severe weather impacts about 90,000 Red Cross blood donations. In New Hampshire, 175 blood drives have been canceled due to weather during the past 10 years, including seven so far this year. This has contributed to more than 700 donations going uncollected in Northern New England to date. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect blood can have serious consequences for hospitals and patients.

First-time donors and those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate between Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan t-shirt, while supplies last.

September is National Preparedness Month and a strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies. As disasters occur more often and become more powerful due to the climate crisis, the Red Cross also encourages people to get their households ready for emergencies.

This year, the country witnessed the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded with Hurricane Beryl. Wildfires have also burned 2.7 million more acres than last year.

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, often without warning. Get ready by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. To learn what disasters may affect your community, visit redcross.org/hazardmap and then download the free Red Cross Emergency App for step-by-step guidance, real-time weather alerts and expert preparedness and safety advice in both English and Spanish.