Red Cross Issues Urgent Call For Blood Donations

The American Red Cross says that recent winter weather has caused an emergency need for blood and platelet donors.

Officials with the Red Cross say that severe winter weather since January 1 has forced the cancellation of more than 300 blood drives across 20 states, resulting in more than 9,500 donations uncollected.

Those officials say that is further depleting an already low winter supply.

In the Southern Blood Services Region that serves Georgia and parts of South Carolina and Florida, four blood drives were cancelled on Friday, causing nearly 100 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

The Red Cross says it must collect about 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

Officials with the Red Cross did not specify whether one particular type of blood was needed more than others.

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood. Also, those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent in most states.

To make an appointment to donate blood to the American Red Cross, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).