Red Cross calls for healthy blood donors following severe weather
CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – Record-breaking cold and winter storms across much of the U.S. have had a significant impact on blood donations. The American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products are available for patient emergencies when help can’t wait.
Extreme winter weather has forced the cancellation of hundreds of Red Cross blood drives in about 30 states and caused more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. In Ohio, 600 units have gone uncollected as at least 20 blood drives canceled across the state.