(Salt Lake City, UT) — The American Red Cross of Utah is calling on residents to donate blood as the organization experiences a nationwide shortage. Red Cross officials say the under supply in blood donors led to a shortfall of about 30 thousand donations in August. The weather-related disasters including Hurricane Idalia have impacted the shortage more because it led to closures of hundreds of donation centers around the U.S. Red Cross officials argue a blood donation is a simple act of kindness that could end the shortage.