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Hundreds of blood drives canceled due to storms

 

As severe winter storms continue to move through the country, the American Red Cross asks members of the community to schedule the earliest-available blood donation appointments in their area once it is safe to give.

 

 Dangerous snow and ice conditions have contributed to over 600 blood drive cancellations since the beginning of the year, resulting in about 20,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

 

Since the Red Cross issued its first-ever blood crisis in January, thousands of generous donors have come forward to give, but patient care remains at risk. The threat of winter weather continues − as well as ongoing complications posed by the omicron variant – and could further complicate efforts to rebuild the blood supply.

 

More donors are needed to make appointments now for the weeks ahead to help ensure accident victims, cancer patients and new mothers experiencing complicated childbirths have access to lifesaving blood product transfusions without delay. Make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

Come give blood in March and get a $10 e-gift card, from our partners at Fanatics! Plus, get a chance to win a trip to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game in LA, including round-trip airfare and 4-night hotel accommodations for 2! See rcblood.org/team for details

 

 In Columbus, community members will have an opportunity to donate blood at the Steps to Hope Community Room (Accessed from Wall Street), located at 60 Ward St, Columbus, NC 28722. This drive will take place Thursday, March 17 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 Submitted by Gail Barksdale