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Red Cross Seeks Blood Donors After Virginia Winter Weather Disrupts Supply
More than 500 blood drives were canceled nationwide, causing a shortage of over 20,000 donations and forcing some hospitals to postpone elective surgeries, the Red Cross said.
- The American Red Cross is urgently asking for blood and platelet donors after winter storms canceled over 500 drives, leaving more than 20,000 donations uncollected nationwide since the start of 2026.
- Snow, ice and extreme cold have forced cancellations and hampered collection efforts, while hazardous weather has complicated transportation of blood products to hospitals.
- Regionally, the shortfalls are severe: the Nation's Capital and Greater Chesapeake lost 1,100 donations from 40 canceled drives, while Missouri and Arkansas saw 54 drives affected with over 1,000 donations uncollected; donors should schedule via the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.
- Hospitals have postponed elective procedures due to low blood inventories, and officials warn trauma surgeons and physicians may face difficult choices about which patients receive life-saving blood.
- The Red Cross is offering a $20 e-gift card to donors of all blood types from Jan. 26 through Feb. 28, 2026, and urges those in unaffected areas to schedule now while others wait for safe conditions.
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
C 63%
R 37%
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