The severe weather Central Illinois endured last week on Thursday brought even more complications, this time, the problem falls in the medical field. The American Red Cross hosts many blood drives throughout the year to supply the endless need for blood in hospitals that could be needed at any given moment. Natural disasters are one factor that always drives the demand for blood donations.

Julie Bly, an Account Manager with the American Red Cross describes that there is a need for O+, O- and B- blood donations. If you do not know your blood type, the American Red Cross will notify you upon your donation. For the month of July there are two blood drives the first is July 6th, located at 500 S Main St, Witt, IL from 1: 00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. The second blood drive will be held July 12th at the Pana Christian Church from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. There are new incentives to donating such as a tote bag and a $15 gift certificate.

The American Red Cross app,  titled the Blood Donor App, allows donors to track their blood, keep up to date on what they have donated, and schedule future visits. One feature that has had great reactions is knowing where your blood is going. Bly notes that keeping donors' blood local is important, but the blood will be transported to wherever it is needed most.

Creating a connection to your donation is what keeps community members coming back and what helps the American Red Cross have the blood they need for any emergency that may arise. The Blood Donor App is not required but many have utilized the services and are able to have a deeper connection to their donation.

With the handy Blood Donor App and a need for certain types of blood, the American Red Cross needs community engagement to ensure the safety of others in need. Donations can be made every 56 days.

For information on blood donations or the American Red Cross you can visit, https://www.redcross.org/.

Julie Bly appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.