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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.
- On January 23 a winter storm forced cancellation of approximately 500 blood drives, and the American Red Cross says more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations went uncollected.
- LifeShare officials say winter months are always challenging for the blood supply, Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement for LifeShare Blood Center, said, while hospitals and patients continue needing lifesaving products despite storms.
- Because platelets have a shelf life of just five to seven days, they must be donated in-center using specialized equipment, and donors requiring additional screening may need antibody testing.
- At the national level, data show the Red Cross is a major blood supplier, and the U.S. needs more than 45,000 units daily, straining local inventories at LifeShare Blood Center.
- To help, donors can schedule appointments at www.lifeshare.org/give or call 800.256.5433, or book via RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS; appointments are encouraged but not required.
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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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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Center
Bias Distribution
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C 92%
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