The American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage this week — and said that climate disasters and low donor turnout are part of the problem.

How do I donate blood? The whole process of giving blood takes just one hour. When arriving at a blood donation centre, you are asked to complete a safety check to make sure you can give blood.

Kona greets her owners (who are wearing donor shirts similar to donation tags) after she gives blood at the Animal Emergency Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, in Bettendorf.

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