Severe blood shortage prompts urgent call for donors

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Red Cross is urging the public to donate blood and platelets as it faces a severe nationwide shortage, with blood supplies dropping about 35% over the past month as hospital demand continues to rise.

Officials say the shortage is especially critical for platelets and blood types O, A negative and B negative. Increased flu activity across nearly every state, combined with widespread winter weather disruptions, has sidelined donors and slowed efforts to rebuild the national blood supply.

Hospitals already strained by what the Red Cross calls one of the worst flu seasons in nearly 20 years are being forced to carefully ration blood products. Without an immediate increase in donations, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, women experiencing childbirth complications, and those undergoing cancer treatment or living with sickle cell disease — could face delays in lifesaving care.

Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

More than 400 blood drives were disrupted by severe winter weather last month, more than triple the number impacted during the same period last year. Thousands of donations went uncollected as a result, and additional cancellations remain possible as freezing temperatures continue across much of the country.

“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep a blood donation appointment. Every donation can be a lifeline.”

To encourage donations, those who give through Jan. 25, 2026, will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area, including tickets, travel, lodging and a $1,000 gift card.

All donors who give between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org.

The Red Cross has scheduled multiple blood drives across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois between Jan. 20 and Feb. 3, including locations in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Charleston, Carbondale and surrounding communities.

A full list of donation sites and times is available at Donate Blood, Platelets or Plasma. Give Life | Red Cross Blood.