The Red Cross of Wisconsin says they're in need of blood donors. They currently have a three day supply of blood but need to be around five days to be best prepared.
"The need for blood is constant," Justin Kern with the Red Cross said. What we saw with hurricanes was the cancellation of dozens of blood drives. So it kind of put our supply, what was not on the shelves, behind. We learned a lot from last year's hurricanes. We were pretty depleted. We don't want to be in that spot again."
Kern says the hurricanes on the east coast, the wildfires in California and the upcoming winter months are a recipe for disaster. Typically, when the weather gets colder, fewer donors come out because of the temperature and holidays.
"Between Thanksgiving and Christmas time, there is a dip in the number of drives and people who donate," Kern said. "People get busy with other things in their lives. Understandably so, but that does take a hit for blood supplies here in Wisconsin."
The Red Cross has 75 upcoming blood drives across the state to help keep them stocked during the winter months.
"This is my eight time donating which means I've helped save 24 lives so that's kind of exciting," Taylor Peterson-Phillips of Milwaukee said.
Peterson-Phillips started donating blood in high school. Her mother instilled the importance in her at a young age. Now, she thinks it's something everybody should do.
"I think it's honestly just part of what I feel like is my responsibility," Peterson-Phillips said. "If you have the ability to help other people, why not take that opportunity to do it."
"The people who need it can't wait," Giselle Simons, another donor said. "It's not something you can say, I'll do it later because when people need it, people need it. We need to do it when the need is there."
The Red Cross also needs more volunteers. For more information on how you can donate blood or volunteer your time, visit their website.
