Red Cross winter blood shortage reaches critical level

Ongoing severe winter weather has more than doubled the number of canceled American Red Cross blood drives, and the result is blood and platelet donation shortfalls since earlier this month.

The Red Cross now considers the situation critical and is reissuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors.

More than 550 blood drives have been forced to cancel because of winter weather in January, causing over 16,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected through last week, the Red Cross reports. In Alabama, 18 blood drives have been forced to cancel because of winter weather this month, causing more than 420 donations to go uncollected.

In addition, bitter cold and widespread flu have contributed to very low turnout at many blood drives.

“Blood and platelet donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in,” said Clifford Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services. “Donors are critically needed to restock the shelves for patients in their community, as well as areas where donors are unable to give due to inclement weather.”

Every day, no matter the weather, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations to meet the needs of patients.

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Locally, the Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive for Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Russellville High School.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states or 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health might be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross.org or on Twitter @RedCross.