SOLON, Iowa (KWWL) - As we head into the summer months and demand for blood continues to climb, the American Red Cross said the U.S. is facing a "severe" blood shortage.
University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Center blood drive coordinator Jessie Cunningham said supply typically fluctuates through the summer months, particularly around the 4th of July, but not this much.
There is an increased need for blood in the summer because there is nationally an increased number of trauma injuries. Cunningham said the supply shortage is pandemic related.
"Those critical lows are because people are getting busy, and they can't come in and donate blood," Cunningham said. "With the pandemic, things are opening up, and people are kind of, you know, doing more than what they're used to doing because they've always kind of been inside all the time so hoping you can practice and make this look better."