US EditionRed Cross Faces Critical Blood Shortage as Flu Cases Surge, Winter Weather Threatens Supplies
A combination of record flu cases and severe winter weather canceled over 400 blood drives, causing a 35% drop in national blood supply, the American Red Cross said.
- On Jan. 19, 2026, the American Red Cross warned the national blood supply dropped about 35% over the past month and urged eligible donors to schedule appointments to stabilize supplies.
- Record winter weather cancellations last month impacted about 400 blood drives, Dr. Courtney Lawrence said, more than three times the affected number during the previous year.
- Hospitals are now triaging limited supplies, prioritizing urgent cases, while blood types O, A negative and B negative face critical shortages and whole blood and platelet donations are needed.
- To boost collections, the Red Cross is offering time-limited incentives: donors who give blood through Jan. 25 enter a Super Bowl LX sweepstakes, and donors between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 receive a $20 e-gift card.
- Most donors must be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds, as the Red Cross urges eligible donors to schedule appointments via its app, website, or 1-800-RED CROSS, amid weather delays.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Flu, winter weather impacting Red Cross blood supply
ROCHESTER — The American Red Cross is urging eligible people to donate blood as the national nonprofit experiences a 35% drawdown on blood products over the past month. Blood donations are down, in part, because winter weather has canceled or postponed hundreds of blood drives across the country. "With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be …
RiverBender.com
Severe Blood Shortage: Red Cross Blood Supply Drops 35%
ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood. High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining dono…
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