The American Red Cross puts out urgent plea for blood donors

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Extreme weather events across the U.S. have one of the nation's largest non-profits asking for your help.

The American Red Cross is putting out an urgent plea for blood donors. The organization says they have seen a significant drop in blood donations over the past few months. 

The non-profit says natural disasters, like Hurricane Idalia, have played a big part in the recent shortage. 

"That shortage is when there is several days that there are no collections, then that 12,500 units daily dips, and then we're not able to help our communities and our hospitals," said Jill Orton, Regional Executive for the Wisconsin region. 

If you would like to donate, a blood drive is set for Thursday, Sept. 28, at Gee's Clippers in Milwaukee.