Winter storms cancel blood drives, worsening Red Cross blood shortage
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood or platelets as winter storms continue to worsen an ongoing national blood shortage.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 500 blood drives have been canceled because of snow, ice and extreme cold, resulting in more than 20,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations nationwide, the Red Cross said. In the Missouri and Arkansas region, 54 blood drives were affected, leaving more than 1,000 donations uncollected.
In addition to canceled drives, hazardous weather conditions have complicated the transportation of blood products, which could affect deliveries to hospitals in some areas.
The Red Cross said the shortage is already impacting patient care, with some hospitals forced to postpone elective procedures because of limited blood supplies. Officials warned that critically low inventories could leave trauma surgeons and other physicians without enough blood when it is urgently needed.
Donors in areas not affected by severe weather are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, while those in storm-impacted regions are asked to donate when conditions are safe. Appointments can be made through the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As an incentive, all who donate blood or platelets from Jan. 26 through Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details are available at $20 Gift Card for Giving Blood | Red Cross Blood Services.
