The American Red Cross has an emergency need for blood and platelet donations, said Sue Thesenga, communications manager of North Central Blood Services.
Severe weather since Jan. 1, including the recent blizzard to hit the East Coast, has forced the cancellation of more than 300 blood drives across 20 states. That means more than 9,500 donations have gone uncollected, further depleting the winter supply.
Earlier this month, the Red Cross asked for more donations in hopes of preventing a shortage. Unusual schedules and seasonal illnesses usually deter people from donating during the holiday season.
The Red Cross must collect about 14,000 donations every day across the U.S. to meet patient need. Blood can only remain on the shelf for 42 days, so the Red Cross is constantly trying to keep up supply.
All blood types are needed, but especially Type O-negative, Type A-negative and Type B-negative. People can donate every 56 days.
People can schedule appointments via a smartphone app or by visiting www.redcross.org/blood. People can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find places to donate.
Follow Stephanie Dickrell on Twitter @SctimesSteph, call her at 255-8749 or find more stories at www.sctimes.com/sdickrell.
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