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Red Cross: National Blood Supply at Critically Low Levels After Winter Storm Disrupted Blood Drives
Winter storms caused over 15,000 missed donations and about 500 canceled drives, creating urgent demand for platelets critical to cancer and trauma patients.
- The American Red Cross reported winter storms canceled approximately 500 blood drives and left more than 15,000 donations uncollected since January 23.
- Inclement weather forced temporary donor center closures and canceled mobile drives, and LifeShare Blood Center says winter months make maintaining supply harder.
- Platelets have a five to seven day shelf life, requiring in-center donation with specialized equipment and donor screening procedures including antibody testing.
- Hospitals say patient needs persist through storms and rely on the American Red Cross, which urges donors to give when safe via RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.
- The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of U.S. blood and more than 16 million units are transfused annually, with more than 45,000 units needed each day.
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Red Cross: National blood supply at critically low levels after winter storm disrupted blood drives
The Red Cross is continuing to experience a severe blood shortage after the winter storm canceled approximately 500 blood drives across the country. As a result, the Red Cross says more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected since January 23.
·Florida, United States
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