Severe winter weather across much of the U.S. is doing more than keeping people indoors, it’s keeping blood off the shelves. Nearly 280 AmericanRed Cross blood drives have been canceled in 25 states, and the result is a shortfall of nearly 8,400 blood and platelet donations.
You are urged to schedule an appointment to give blood in the coming days as long as it is safe to do so in your area. Your donation can help ensure a sufficient supply for patients close to home or in other areas affected by the weather.
Schedule your appointment for one of the opportunities listed here online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For additional opportunities in your area not listed here, please click here or call.
If you recently made a blood donation, or if you have already scheduled an appointment to donate blood, please accept our thanks on behalf of the patients whose lives you may have touched. If you have been told previously by the AmericanRed Cross or another blood center that you should never donate blood, please disregard this message.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.