US EditionRed Cross Faces Critical Blood Shortage as Flu Cases Surge, Winter Weather Threatens Supplies
A nationwide flu outbreak and winter weather caused a 35% drop in blood donations, forcing hospitals to prioritize urgent cases and impacting critical blood types.
- On Jan. 20, 2026, the American Red Cross warned that the national blood supply dropped about 35% over the past month, prompting a severe shortage warning in Washington.
- Dr. Courtney Lawrence said the perfect storm of widespread flu activity and winter weather sidelined donors, with about 400 blood drives impacted last month leaving thousands uncollected.
- With hospitals already stretched by flu activity, doctors and nurses are triaging blood products and prioritizing the most urgent cases, risking delays for trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with sickle cell disease or cancer.
- The Red Cross urged donors to book appointments via the Blood Donor App or website, offering incentives: a Super Bowl trip for donors by the end of next month and a $20 e-gift card for donors next month.
- With intense winter weather expected in the coming weeks, donations of both whole blood and platelets are needed as the Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation's blood.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Red Cross declares severe blood shortage after supply falls 35%
The American Red Cross declared a severe blood shortage on Tuesday after it said the national blood supply fell 35% over the past month. The Red Cross said it is still seeing a significant decline despite efforts to rebuild the supply over the last few weeks. “This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation e…
Red Cross reports sharp drop in blood supply across region
FARGO — Major winter weather events and the worst flu season in 20 years are key reasons for the critical blood shortage being seen now, according to Kimberly Vosselteig, executive director of the American Red Cross for the region. Vosselteig also says it is not just weather in the region, but across the U.S. She says about 400 blood drives were impacted by severe weather, three times the number affected in the same time period last year. The r…
Red Cross sees 35% drop in blood donations, severe shortage
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to a 35% decline in donations nationwide, with 400 blood drives impacted by extreme winter weather and high flu activity, and is urging people to donate to help save lives.
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