Red Cross Hopes to Stave Off Summer Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross hopes to hold off another severe blood shortage in Louisville this summer, by kicking off the season with a blood drive. It will be held tomorrow at the Executive West Hotel near the airport.Red Cross spokesperson Loni White says donations typically decrease during the summer, and they’re depending on donors to give more than once."You can donate every 56 days, that means this summer, from now until the end of September, you can donate twice, and that means you are really helping your community and keeping a blood shortage from happening here," said White.White says last summer, the Louisville area fell into a severe blood shortage, with less than a half-day’s supply. During that time, Louisville Red Cross officials appealed to nearby regions for help.