American Red Cross.
The winter storm forced the cancellation of hundreds of drives nationwide, leaving more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations uncollected between Friday and Monday alone
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as winter weather continues to disrupt blood drives across the country, including in southeastern Pennsylvania.
According to the Red Cross, severe conditions from Winter Storm Fern have forced the cancellation of hundreds of drives nationwide, leaving more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations uncollected between Friday and Monday alone.
Locally, 12 blood drives scheduled for Sunday and Monday were canceled, resulting in nearly 400 donations that could not be collected. Officials warn that additional cancellations are possible as freezing temperatures persist.
The national blood supply is now at critically low levels, raising concerns that lifesaving medical procedures could be delayed if donations do not increase soon. The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule appointments to give blood or platelets as soon as it is safe to travel. Winter is already a challenging time for collections, and recent storms have compounded the strain on the system.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering a $20 e-gift card to donors who give blood or platelets between now and Feb. 28. Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Officials say every donation can help save lives and support hospitals that rely on a steady blood supply for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care and other emergencies.
