Blood donors sought after storms, cold cancel collections
CLEVELAND (WJER) (Jan. 23, 2025) – Recent winter weather is being blamed for a nationwide blood donation shortage.
American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Christy Peters says just in Northern Ohio, they’ve had to cancel 14 blood drives already this month, resulting in an estimated 400 pints going uncollected.
“Obviously, with the cold weather we had this week and schools cancelling, oftentimes that means blood drives are cancelled because we host many blood drives at local schools. So we’re putting out the call now to encourage people who are able to please give blood.”
The Red Cross says around 29,000 units of red blood cells and nearly 5,000 units of platelets are needed daily in the U.S.
“We don’t want to reach a situation where doctors have to make a decision about who might get a transfusion or not being able to meet the need of a patient because the blood isn’t available. So by donating now and helping us rebuild that supply, we ensure that every patient who needs blood wherever they are gets it.”
For more information or to schedule a donation appointment, visit redcross.org.