After several winter storms, the American Red Cross is urging eligible blood and platelet donors to help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage.
Since Dec. 1, about 300 blood drives across 27 states have been canceled because of severe winter weather, resulting in more than 10,500 blood and platelet donations going uncollected, according to the American Red Cross.
“When weather cancels a blood drive, we come together as one Red Cross throughout the country to ensure a vital and robust blood supply where and when it’s needed by relying on voluntary donors,” said W. Bryan Soady, executive director of the American Red Cross serving south-central Illinois.
“Sometimes we in central Illinois help others when they are impacted and sometimes it’s us that needs the help,” he said. “Every single blood donation can save as many as three lives, so I encourage eligible donors to help during this time of need.”
About every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross. On average, the Red Cross must collect 14,000 blood donations every day for patients in about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
“The need for blood is constant,” said Laura McGuire, external communications manager for the American Red Cross. “It’s the blood products on the shelves that help save lives when emergencies occur. Donated blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed and made available for patients. Local needs are prioritized; then, blood can be sent wherever there is a patient in need through the Red Cross’ inventory management system.”
McGuire said donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients in need.
She said blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
“Many donors say they feel a great sense of gratification knowing they helped someone in need,” McGuire said.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.